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BRIGHT 

entertainments 


for Christmas 



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BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY, Publishers ,CHICAGO 
































Bright Entertainments 
for Christmas 

With Special Material by 
Clara J. Denton and Others 


EDITED BY 

JOSEPH C. SINDELAR 


AUTHOR OF 

The Best Christmas Book, The Best Thanksgiving Book, 
Closing Day Entertainments, Merry Christmas Entertainments. 
Morning Exercises for All the Year, Best Memory Gems, 
Father Thrift and His Animal Friends, Nixie Bunny 
in Manners-Land, Nixie Bunny in Work¬ 
aday-Land, Nixie Bunny in 
Holiday-Land, Nixie Bunny 
in Faraway-Lands 



♦ 



BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY 

CHICAGO 








Copyright, 1922, by 
BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY 





Printed in the United States of America 


DEC 26’2 2 

©C1A693586 

VC j 


/ 

CONTENTS 

RECITATIONS AND READINGS 


At Christmas. 

BIcst Tree of All, The. 

Carol, A... 

Christmas Afterthought, A. 

Christmas Carol, A. 

Christmas Cheer.... 

Christmas Comes But Once a Year. 

Christmas Eve. 

Christmas Hope, A... 

Christmas Hymn, A. 

Christmas Message, The.. 

Christmas Problem, A. 

Christmas Quotations. 

Christmas Spirit, The. 

Christmas Wish, A. 

Coming Events.. 

Don’t Sleep on the Floor. 

First Christmas Eve, The. 

First Christmas Song), The. 

Greater Than Columbus. 

He Could Help. 

Let Us Begin It. 

Merry Christmas ... 

Message, A. 

No Christmas. 

POINSETTIAS.. 

Prayer, The. 

Present for Little Boy Blue, A ... 
Present He Wanted, The. 


PAGE 

. Alice E. Allen 8 

. .Jane Drancfield Stone 21 

.. 9 

..James Russell Lowell 14 
. .James Russell Lowell 37 

. Alice E. Allen 8 

.Bartlett Burleigh James 17 

. Alice E. Allen 17 

... Clara J. Benton 9 

. Eugene Field 36 

.. Jane Andrews 27 

. 15 

. 38 , 39 , 40 

..Helen M. Richardson 16 

. Alice E. Allen 7 

. C. C. Starkiveather 13 

..._ Clara J. Denton 25 

. 34 

. 30 

. Clara J. Benton 19 

. Clara J. Benton 10 

...._ Clara J. Denton 27 

. Alice E. Allen 12 

. Clara J. Denton 20 

. Clara J. Denton 24 

. Alice E. Allen 13 

. Clara J. Denton 33 

. J. W. Foley 23 

. Clara J. Denton 22 


3 






























4 


CONTENTS 


Puzzle, A. 

Real Santa Claus, A. 

Reason, The. 

Round the World To-Day 

Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus’ Arrival. .... 

Songs and Stars. 

Thunder - Oak, The. .. 

What Would You Say?. ... 

Why Not?. 

Wooden Shoe, The. 


PAGE 

. Clara J. Uenton 11 

Frank Dempster Sherman 16 
.......... Clara J. Denton 18 

. Clara J. Denton 9 

... Lavra Rountree Smith 18 

. Bertha Johnston 14 

. Alice E. Allen 11 

. Clara J. Denton 28 

..Ethel Stanford Tillotson 14 

. Clara J. Denton 7 

. Clara J. Denton 30 


DIALOGUES, EXERCISES AND PLAYS 

Bargain, The. For two little boys. Clara J. Denton 51 

Christmas Conspiracy, A. For two little boys. 

. Clara J. Denton 46 

Christmas Every Day. For two girls. Clara J. Denton 74 

Christmas Far Away. For three girls and three boys.... 

. Clara J. Denton 63 


Christmas Game, A. For four boys and three girls. 49 

Christmas in Fact. For two eighth-grade boys. 

. Clara J. Denton 71 

In The East. For six boys and two girls.. .Clara J. Denton 58 
Lonely Man, The. For two little girls. 48 


Lost Fairies, The. For four little girls and a Santa Claus, 

if convenient. Clara J. Denton 57 

Minister’s Daughter, The. For four girls and one small 

boy. Clara J. Denton 67 

Real Santa Claus, A. For five litle girls.. Clara J. Denton 55 

Santa Claus Explained. For two small boys. 

.. Clara J. Denton 53 

So Different.' For two little girls. Clara J. Denton 44 

Strike in Santa Claus Land. The. For five boys and six 

girls . 77 

Their Wishes. For six little girls and five little boys. 

. Clara J. Denton 41 






























CONTENTS 


5 


FANCY DRILLS AND MARCHES 

PAGE 

Christmas Bell Drill. For six girls and six boys or any 

even number of each. Clara J. Denton 86 

Christmas Flower Drill. For twelve girls. .Clara J. Denton 89 

Christmas Star, The. For five or ten girls_ Marie Hoge 91 

Christmas Stocking Drill, The. For twelve small boys... 

.. Clara J. Denton 85 

Christmas Wreath Drill. For any number of girls. 

. Clara J. Denton 94 

Santa Claus Drill. For any number of boys. 

.. C. Bertha Holt 87 

MOTION SONGS AND ACROSTICS 

Christmas Lullaby, A. 99 

December Spelling Lesson, A. For nine small children.... 

..... Bertha E. Bush 98 

Mince Pies for Christmas. For seven girls. 

.... Clara J. Denton 97 

PANTOMIMES AND TABLEAUX 

Everybody is Happy. Marie Irish 101 

Packing the Pack. For a tall boy and girl.. Clara J. Denton 102 
Tommy Goes to a Christmas Party. For a boy and a girl.. 

. Clara J. Denton 104 

Unexpected Visitor, The. One girl, one boy. 


. Clara J. Denton 103 

Watch, The. Pantomime for six boys.>.. 105 

SONGS AND MUSIC 

Beautiful Christmas Time. . 108 

Cheery Christmas Greeting, A. 107 

Christmas Good-Night, A.... . Achsa B. Canfield 118 

Christmas Lullaby. 116 

Long, Long Ago. Clara A. Nash 107 

Merry, Merry Bells .. 116 























6 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 

Songs of the Christmas Greens. 117 

Where the Christmas Trees Grow. One-Act Operetta.... 

. Clara J. Denton 109 

FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS 


Christmas Everywhere... Edna Keith 117 

Little Facts About December. Alice E. Allen 121 






BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 
FOR CHRISTMAS 

RECITATIONS AND READINGS 

WHY NOT? 

* Clara J. Denton 
F or a Very Small Child 
I know a lot ’bout Santa Claus, 

Just where he lives and all, 

But I ’ll not tell a single soul, 

Till I am big and tall. 

I know just where he gets the things 
Which he gives all around. 

I know just where he eats and sleeps, 

And where his deer are found. 

But you can’t get it out of me, 

About old Santa Claus, 

I ’ll never, never tell a soul, 

Why not? Oh, well, because. 

A CHRISTMAS WISH 
Alice E. Allen 

A soldier boy, 

As bold as could be, 

On dress parade 
On the Christmas Tree, 

7 


8 BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 

Bent ’way, ’way down 
As far as he could, 

And kissed a Dolly 
Where she stood. 

’T was the thing to do— 

As, perhaps you know, . 
She was under a sprig 
Of mistletoe! 


CHRISTMAS CHEER 
Alice E. Allen 

Sing a song of Christmas— 
Poeketbooks so slim; 

But hearts all full of loving-ness, 
’Way up to the brim. 

When the day has ended, 

Everyone sees clear. 

Pennies help, of course, but Love 
Makes the Christmas Cheer! 


AT CHRISTMAS 
Alice E. Allen 

Everything shines at Christmas— 
Candles and stars and faces, 

In all the wonderful glory, 

Can there be any dark places? 

Everything shines. But I ’ll add 
One little smile—love behind it; 
The world is so big and so crowded 
Some dark corner may find it. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


9 


ROUND THE WORLD TO-DAY 
Clara J. Denton 
Merrily ring each bell, 

All the story retell. 

Story so old, yet new, 

Story so strange, yet true. 

Only a Babe so small, 

Low in a cattle-stall. 

Yet round the world to-day 
Mankind still feels his sway. 

Love is the word He brings, 

Mightier far than kings, 

If love but holds the heart, 

Sweet peace it will impart. 

A CAROL 

[A bit of nonsense for tiny children in coats, hoods, caps, 
mittens and furs.] 

Here we go in a row, 

Carrolling like anything. 

Winds a-blow, b’low zero— 

’Most too cold to-night to sing! 

A CHRISTMAS HOPE 
Clara J. Denton 

There were three wise men once rode afar 
Because in the east they had seen a star, 

And each believed in his inmost mind 
A king in state he would surely find. 

But lo, the star seemed to mock their quest; 

Above a stable it came to rest; 


10 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


But the wise men sought the manger low 
And laid their gifts in a shining row. 

They prayed to the Child an earnest prayer, 
Then, safely kept in His tender care, v 
Homeward they rode from their far-off quest, 
Adoring love in each wondering breast. 

As Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar 
Journeyed in peace to their homes afar, 

So Holy Child, do thou bring again 
Peace on the earth and good will to men. 


HE COULD HELP 
Clara J. Denton 
F or a boy 

If I could see old Santa Claus, 

Just this is what I’d say: 

“Sir, don’t you want to hire a boy 
To help on Christmas Day?” 

For what boys want he doesn’t know; 
Last year he brought me shoes, 

When what I wanted was a gun, 

And tools that I could use. 

So I should think he’d like to hire 
A boy about my size, 

For I know just the things boys like, 
And I could make him wise. 

But now queer things to boys he takes, 
He blunders right along; 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


11 


If he’d hire me, I tell you what, 

He’d never get things wrong. 

A PUZZLE 
Clara J. Benton 
There lives away back in our alley, 

One of the nicest little girls, 

With a face just like a white lily, 

And her head all covered with cuHs. 

She ’s a good little girl too, I know, 

She never says any bad words, 

She goes right along very quiet, 

And never throws stones at the birds. 

But she says she doesn’t know Santa, 

He never has brought her nice things; 

And I cannot think of the reason, 

When to me a whole lot he brings. 

If Santa is always so generous, 

Why doesn’t he call every year 
On people who live in the alleys'? 

That seems to me awfully queer, 

SONGS AND STARS 
Alice E. Allen 

[If too long for single recitation, this may be given by three 
children.] 

’Tis said that thirty-one bright days 
Once put their heads together, 

And each resolved to be a song, 

So glad and clear, so sweet and strong, 
Whatever the wind and weather. 


12 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Then thirty-one dark little nights, 
They talked the matter over, 

And each resolved to be a star 
To throw out golden beams afar, 
From Florida to Dover. 

To old December then they came; 

She, quite delighted, mixed them; 
And* so to her the joy belongs 
Of little days like little songs, 

With stars set in betwixt them! 


MERRY CHRISTMAS 
Alice E. Allen 

With hair of golden candle-flame, 

With lips of holly, warm and gay, 

A little maid this morning came, 

And all the shadows ran away. 

Her gown was crimson, touched with green, 
For cap she wore a Christmas Bell, 

Her face I knew I’d somewhere seen, 

Her voice my heart remembered well. 

A smile for me upon her lips, 

Beneath my bough of mistletoe 
She kissed her rosy finger-tips, 

And “Merry Christmas” whispered low. 

“What is your name, sweet maid?” I said. 

Still “Merry Christmas!” laughed the elf, 
And then I saw, all green and red. 

She Merry Christmas was herself! 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


13 


POINSETTIAS 
Alice E. Allen 

Once Christmas took a snowflake, 

With petals soft and white; 

She breathed on it until it glowed 
With crimson Christmas light. 

She hid a Merry Christmas, 

All wrapped in sunbeam gold, 

Within its heart. It grew and grew 
So much good cheer to hold. 

Some leaves then fashioned Christmas, 

Of splendid Christmas green, 

A stem she made of loving thoughts, 

Where not a thorn was seen! 

When to the earth at Christmas, 

These blossoms come in showers, 

Don’t call them red poinsettias, 

But “Merry Christmas Flowers”! 

Normal Instructor 


COMING EVENTS 
C. C. Starkweather 

The day before Christmas is Good Child Day, 
How sweetly together the children all play, 
With never a quarrel and never a slight, 

While everything seems to go about right! 
The day before Christmas is Good Child Day— 
I wonder why it should happen that way? 


14 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


CHRISTMAS AFTERTHOUGHT 
James Whitcomb Riley 

After a thoughtful, almost painful pause, 
Bub sighed, “I’m sorry fer old Santy Claus 
They wuz no Santy Claus, ner could n’t be, 
When he wuz ist a little boy like me!” 

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? 

Edith Stanford Tillotson 

If you should see 
A big, green tree, 

With candles all alight, 

With popcorn strings 
And pretty things, 

And tinsel shining bright, 

With stars that swing 
And bells that ring, 

All red and green and blue, 

And lots of toys 
For girls and boys 
And lots of candies too; 

And you should hear 
Somebody near 

Call out in cheery way: 

“What sort of tree 
Can this one be ? ” 

I wonder what you’d say? 

SANTA CLAUS’ ARRIVAL 
Bertha Johnston 
Swift, swift, over the snow, 

The reindeer are speeding; how noiseless they go! 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


15 


High, high, afar in the sky, 

Over the forests and rivers they fly! 

Clip, clip, over the roof, 

Hear now the patter of each little hoof! 

Hark, hark, the chimney a-near, 

Santa’s alighting—hush, shut your eyes, dear! 

Sh—sh-h-h—don’t make a sound. 

Hurrying away, for our neighbor’s he’s bound. 

I heard a doll laugh; I heard some toy squeal, 

And also the whir of a bicycle-wheel. 

Will daylight ne’er come? I never can sleep, 

Till into my longest black stocking I peep. 

Oh dear, what do they do? 

Rich children who live where is never a flue, 

But whose homes* are steam-heated, with water or gas? 
I hope Santa ’ll forget no such lad or such lass. 


A CHRISTMAS PROBLEM 

Suppose the reindeer that Santa Claus drives 
Should get frightened and run far away, 

And no one could ever find them again, 

What then would the children say? 

Then Santa Claus could n’t come any more, 

For he never could find his way 
And walk so far in one short night, 

Unless each day was a Christmas Day. 


16 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 
Helen M. Richardson 
Just a little bit of Christmas 
For the neighbor at your side, 

Who upon the wave of fortune 
With yourself seems not to ride. 

Do not be a miser, hoarding 

Health and strength and power to bless— 

Share them with the lone one near you 
Who these charms may not possess. 

For ’t is not alone the dollar, 

Soon forgotten, that you spend, 

But the hand-shake that goes with it, 

Carries blessing in the end. 

Putting the true Christmas spirit 
Into everything you do, 

You will find it will be Christmas 

In your heart the whole year through. 

A REAL SANTA CLAUS 
Frank Dempster Sherman 

Santa Claus, I hang for you by the mantel stockings two; 

One for me and one to go to another boy I know. 

There ’s a chimney in this town you have never traveled 
down. 

Should you chance to enter there you would find a room 
all bare. 

Not a stocking could you spy, matters not how you might 
try; 

And the shoes you’d- find are such as no boy would care 
for much. 

In a broken bed you’d see someone just about like me, 




FOR CHRISTMAS 


17 


Dreaming of the pretty toys which you bring to other boys. 
And to him, a Christmas seems Merry only in his dreams, 
All he dreams, then, Santa Claus, stuff his stockings with, 
because 

When it’s filled up to the brim, I ’ll be Santa Claus to him. 

CHRISTMAS EYE 
Alice E. Allen 

The jolly flames that laugh and leap 
Way down into the ashes creep, 

And the Christmas fires go to sleep, 

When Santa Claus comes! 

Dim grow the candles’ twinkling eyes, 

To keep awake each dolly tries, 

But she goes to sleep, to her surprise, 

When Santa Claus comes! 

And all the little folks are gone 
To far dream-countries until dawn. 

Only the Christmas stars look on— 

When Santa Claus comes! 

CHRISTMAS COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR 
Bartlett Burleigh James 

What would the world be without Christmas, 

Its joy, its good will and its cheer? 

What would the world be without Christmas, 
Though it comes but once in a year? 

What would the world do without Christmas, 

Its gifts and its tokens of love? 


18 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


What would the world do without Christmas, 
That makes it like Heaven above? 

SANTA CLAUS 
Laura Rountree Smith 
Old Santa drives out o’er the glistening snow, 

And where he is goin^xyou surely must know! 

He guides his reindeer to left and to right, 

For he must fill all the stockings to-night. 

He whistles and shouts as he speeds along, 

And he sings a snatch of a. Christmas song. 

Then up on the house-tops he goes with a bound, 
Down the chimney he creeps with never a sound! 

He fills all the stockings ere break of day, 

Then whisk! up the chimney he is off and away! 

If you hear a clatter, you ’ll know what’s the matter. 
Old Santa drives by in his sleigh! 


THE REASON 
Clara J. Denton 
What do I think of Santa Claus? 

Now would you like to know? 

He’s just a dear old make-believe, 
Thought up so long ago. • 

Before they knew the good Saint Nick, 
I wonder how they found 
A way to make the children watch 
Till Christmas Day came round? 

It must have been in some strange way, 
Was born a wondrous love 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


19 


For Christmas Day, which children hold 
All other days above. 

And so they very early learned 
To watch for this one day, 

Until they thought of it above 
All other joys and play. 

And now whatever you may do 
To poor old Santa Claus, 

We ’ll love this Christmas Day the best; 
The reason? Just because! 


GREATER THAN COLUMBUS 
Clara J. Denton 
R ecitation for a Boy 

To-day, they say, we don’t need men 
Like old Columbus bold, 

The whole world’s been discovered now, 

In climates hot and cold. 

There’s one thing, though, they Ve never found, 
No matter where they roam, 

And that’s the place so far away, 

Where Santa makes his home. 

But I should think they’d want to know 
The place where Santa lives, 

When he’s so good to everyone, 

Such dandy presents gives. 

And so, when I’m a great big man 
I ’ll search the world around 


20 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


For Santa’s home, and never rest 
Until the saint is found. 

And then more famous I shall be 
Than Christopher, because 
The world will say, ‘ 4 That is the man 
Who found old Santa Claus.” 


A MESSAGE 
Clara J. Denton 
F or a Girl 

If you should see old Santa, 

Just tell him, if you please, 
My name and where I live, 

And then he will not tease. * 

And tell him that I want 
A whole big lot of things, 

A doll with curly hair, 

A chain of gold and rings. 

* 

And if they do not come 
To me I ’ll say good-by; 

And if he is a saint, 

Guess that would make him cry. 

So I’ve been thinking this: 

What could old Santa do, 

If all the boys and girls 

Should treat him that way too ? 

So take this message now 
To Santa, straight from me, 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


21 


To put the things we want 
Upon the Christmas tree. 

Don’t bring a pair of shoes 
When Johnny wants a ball, 
Don’t bring the things we need, 
But things we want —that’s all. 


THE BEST TREE OF ALL 
Jane Drancfield Stone 

There are very many kinds of trees, and every one is nice. 

There are orange trees and lemon trees and cocoanut and 
spice; 

There are hazel-nuts and butter-nuts, banana trees and 
date— 

There are apple trees and cherry trees and peaches deli¬ 
cate. 

’Most every kind of thing that’s good grows on some kind 
of tree— 

And every kind of tree is good for something, certainly. 

For ’heath the shady willows by the brookside children 
play— 

And from the gnarled white oak tree tops, ’t is fine to view 
the day. 

From maples come the gauzy keys that like swift air-ships 
fly— 

With slender seeds as passengers, along the wind-swept sky. 

From poplars slippery catkins drop, that look like angle 
worms, 

To fish with in the gully, where the stream makes deep, 
clear turns. 


22 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


The stately elm trees tempting are to sit beneath, and 
read— 

The sycamores with dancing balls are interesting indeed. 

But there ? s one tree—and on this point I’m sure we ’ll 
all agree 

That of all trees the very best—it is the Christmas tree! 

The Christmas Tree! how wonderful it stands on Christmas 
morn, 

When o’er the snow the bells ring in the day that Christ 
was born. 

What other tree bears fruit like this, so pleasant to the 
child ? 

Its branches ne’er had showered such gifts within the 
forest wild. 

It is the gracious tree of Love—and that is why, you see, 

That of all trees the very best—it is the Christmas Tree. 


THE PRESENT HE WANTED 
Clara J. Denton * 

Recitation for a Boy 
I think big folks are pretty queer. 

They tell me every day, 

“Now don’t do this and don’t do that, 
And do this that-a-way.” 

And then they do the very things 
Which they “unproper” call, 

And all the things I’m told to do, 

They never do at all. 

So I ’ve made up my mind to this: 
When I am big and strong, 




FOR CHRISTMAS 


23 


I ’ll let the little folks alone, 

Unless they go quite wrong. 

If Santa’d make me grow up big 
While I am sleeping sound, 

What fun I’d have when morning comes, 
Making the folks stand round. 

Then I would say, “Now don’t do that,” 

And, “ What are you about?” 

4 4 Hold up your head, ” 4 4 Go wash your hands, ’ ’ 
And “Turn your toes straight out.” 

Oh, yes, if Santa ’ll only bring 
This present fine to me, 

The biggest circus round our house 
To-morrow you will see. 


A PRESENT FOR LITTLE BOY BLUE 
J. W. Foley 

Our Neighbor, he calls me his Little Boy Blue, 

Whenever he goes by our yard; 

And he says, 44 Good morning” or “How-do-you-do?” 

But sometimes he winks awful hard. 

I guess he don’t know what my name really is, 

Or else he forgot, if he knew; 

And my! You would think I am really part his— 

He calls me his Little Boy Blue! 

Our Neighbor, he told me that Little Boy Blue 
Once stood all his toys in a row, 

And said, 44 Now, don’t go till I come back for you”— 
But that was a long time ago. 


24 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


And one time, at Christmas, when I had a tree, 

He brought me a sled, all brand-new, 

And smiled when he said it was partly for me 
And partly for Little Boy Blue. 

Our Neighbor, he’s not going to have any tree, 

So he says the best he can do 
Is try to get something to partly give me 
And partly give Little Boy Blue. 

Because if he’s here, it would make him so glad, 

And he said he knew it was true 
That ever and ever so many folks had 
A boy just like Little Boy Blue. 

Our Neighbor, he calls me his Little Boy Blue, 

And said he would like to help trim 
Our tree when it came—he would feel that he knew 
It was partly for me and for him. 

He said he would fix it with lights and wax flowers, 
With popcorn and berries—you see, 

He’d like to come over and help to trim ours— 

He’s not going to have any tree! 

Saturday Everting Post 


NO CHRISTMAS 
Clara J. Denton 
I’m very glad I was not born 
Three hundred years ago, 

When all the Pilgrim Fathers lived 
In Plymouth’s ice and snow. 

Because, you see, dear Christmas then 
Was not a day to bless, 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


25 


They thought it all idolatry 
Or Popish foolishness. 

No stockings then the children hung 
Beside the fireplace wide, 

No Christmas tree in corner stood, 

In all its glittering pride. 

No Christmas bells in gorgeous red, 

Nor holly hung about. 

Just thinking of it seems to turn 
My poor heart wrong side-aut. 

No whisperings in corners dark 
Of presents hidden well, 

And Santa Claus !—that was a tale 
None ever dared to tell. 

Though I suppose some other fun 
The children did not lack; 

Yet leaving out dear Christmas Day 
Would turn the whole world black. 

So I am glad I was not born 
Among the Pilgrims’ band, 

To leave out Christmas!—That’s the thing 
I know I could not stand. 

DON’T SLEEP ON THE FLOOR 
Clara J. Denton 

There was a funny little boy 
And what do you think he did? 

Each night, when bed-time came for him, 
Down on the floor he slid. 


26 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


You would have thought, now, would n’t you, 
He’d gone upstairs instead, 

And cuddled down all warm and nice, 
Within his dainty bed? 


But no, upon the floor he’d sleep, 

All in his clothes so trim; 

Then when the grown-ups went to bed, 
They’d have to waken him, 

And then he’d howl, poor boy, of course, 
Till every one would say, 

“We ’ll let you sleep right there, next time, 
Until the dawn of day.” 


And so, at last, what do you think? 

That dreadful threat was kept; 
And as it was on Christmas Eve, 

In slyly, Santa crept; 

And when he saw the sleeping boy 
He said with angry frown, 

“That lazy boy is not in bed, 

I ’ll pull his stocking down.” 


So all you boys and girls should learn 
From this a lesson wise, 

Undress yourselves and go to bed, 
Before you close your eyes. 

For if you form this habit bad 
Of sleeping on the floor, 

Should Santa come and find you there 
He’d leave and call no more. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


27 


THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 
Jane Andrews 

We hear the Christmas message, 

Brought to us long ago. 

Why have the centuries kept it fresh ? 

Why do we prize it so ? 

Because it is rich with the gold of love 
That with bright, exhaustless flow, 

From unfailing source in the Heart Divine, 
Supplies our hearts below. 

And it tells of the tender, human bond, 

Since ever the world began, 

For it teaches the Fatherhood of God, 

The brotherhood of man. 

But how can ,we carry the tidings, 

Make each man as loving and true 

To the poor, the oppressed and the lowly, 

As they are to me and you? 

Let them shine in thought and word and deed, 
As we work on the heavenly plan; 

And, Blessed by the Fatherhood of God, 

Prove the brotherhood of man. 


LET US BEGIN IT 
Clara J. Denton 

As the days hasten by, if good will and peace 
We make all our study, our troubles will cease; 
Oh think what a beautiful world this would be, 
If all of mankind kept these syllables three. 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS., 


Yes, good will and peace, even small girls and boys 
Would very soon learn, bring us wonderful joys. 
Thoughts of the Christ Child, safe in manger from ill, 
Should bring to our hearts sweetest peace and good will. 

Good will to the world, to the weary and sad, 

This one day, at least, let us make them all glad. 

Bright sunshine and love and happiness too, 

The children may bring if their best they will do. 

Yes, good will and peace was the angels’ sweet song. 

If all the world sings it, oh, naught can go wrong! 

So let us begin it, the tidings repeat, 

Till loudly re-echoes the story so sweet. 


THE THUNDER OAK 
Clara J. Denton 

Scandinavian Legend Retold in Verse for the First Time 

I have heard a queer old story 
Of an oak tree, tall and grand, 

Standing in a mighty forest, 

When the heathen ruled the land. 

Thunder Oak, the name they gave it, 

“Tree of Thor,” the god of light; 

There were human victims offered 
In the silence of the night. 

Round this tree a terror lingered, 

Birds and beasts all shunned its shade, 

Though it stood all life inviting. 

Never near it home was made. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


29 


Once when gathered all the people 
In unholy service bowed, 

Came a voice from out the forest, 
Rising o’er the clamor loud. 

Then Saint Winfred, stern, commanding, 
High upraised the ax he bore, , 

Smote the tree with quick blows falling, 
Till its kingly reign was o’er. 

In its place the wondering people 
Saw a fir tree quickly rise., 

“This*” said Winfred, “is your emblem, 
Pointing upward to the skies.” 

“Sign is it of life ne’er fading, 

Since its leaves are evergreen. 

Of its wood you build your houses; 
Truer friend was never seen.” 

Then he told the Christmas story, 

Saying, “Let this tree abide 

Evermore beside your hearth-stones 
At the holy Christmas-tide.” 

Strange old story! How we love it, 
Telling of the change which came 

O’er the hearts of far-off heathen, 

At the sound of Christ’s dear name. 

And for this our love must ever 
Linger round the fir tree green, 

And upon our hearths at Christmas 
May its form be always seen. 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


THE FIRST CHRISTMAS SONG 

The twinkling stars shone clear and bright, 

Above a little town, 

And calmly through the quiet night 
The silver moon looked down. 

The little lambs upon the hill 
Were sleeping safely there, 

While shepherds “seated on the ground” 

Watched over them with care. 

Then suddenly the angels came 
On flashing wings of white; 

Their happy chorus echoed wide 
Across the silent night. 

Oh! sweet and clear the angels sang, 

The sweetest song we know, 

The story of a little Child 
Within a manger low. 

’Twas long, and long, and long ago— 

Oh! very long ago, \ 

But still we sing the song they sang, 

With music soft and low; 

For Jesus was the little Child 
Who in the manger lay, 

And Jesus is the children’s Friend 
Who loves them every day. 

THE WOODEN SHOE 
Clara J. Denton 

Christmas Legend from the French prose of Francois Coppee. 
So far as the author knows, it is now put into verse for the 
first time. 

Have you heard the queer old story 
Of a lonely orphan boy, 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


31 


By his aunt so roughly treated, 

Knowing naught of childish joy? 

In this land there was this custom: 

Christmas Eve, beside each door, 

Shoes were placed, that thus the Christ Child 
Gifts might shower from his store. 

And this lonely little orphan 
Hoped to find his wooden shoe 

Filled with gifts, because so faithful 
He had been the long year through. 

With his mates when he was leaving 
Midnight mass on Christmas Eve, 

Spread a picture ’neath their vision 
Which their eyes could scarce believe. 

’Neath the wide church porch lay sleeping 
In the cold a little Child. 

Though his small, white feet were naked, 

Still amid his dreams he smiled. 

Carelessly the rich passed by him, 

Naught to them his cold, bare feet. 

Happily they hurried homeward 
All their Christmas joys to meet. 

But the tender hearted orphan 

Paused and murmured with a sigh, 

“Not a shoe to place in waiting, 

Till the Christ Child passes by.” 

And in this small lad’s opinion 
There could'be no sadder plight, 


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Than of shoes to be thus lacking 
On the holy Christmas night. 

But his mates, in loud derision, 

Urged him not to linger there. 

He would freeze to death, they told him, 
Standing in the biting air. 

Still he stood in indecision; 

Could he prove so heartless too, 

Leave the Child so soundly sleeping 
Thus without a single shoe 1 ? 

Then he cried in accents tender, 

“He shall have a shoe of mine!” 

So he placed it near the sleeper 
Ready for the presents fine. 

Hopping, limping, home he hurried, 
Happy thus to share his shoes. 

But when asked why one was missing, 

He could not the truth refuse. 

Angry was his aunt so cruel. 

“Sticks shall fill your shoe,” she said. 
Sorely beaten and well scolded, 

Tearfully he went to bed. 

But when morning came, oh wonder! 

Both his wooden shoes were there, 

Filled were they to overflowing 
With his gifts so rich and rare. 

Later came the awe-struck pastor, 
Wondrous was the tale he told. 




FOR CHRISTMAS 


Where the Child at night had slumbered 
Brightly shone a ring of gold. 

Then the aunt told all the story 
Of the missing wooden shoe,' 

And the pastor’s first amazement 
To a greater wonder grew. 

“ ’Twas the Christ Child,” was his comment, 
“ Sleeping sweetly, waiting there, 

Waiting for a heart all kindly 

Who for his great need would care. 

No one but the lonely orphan 
Had the bitter need discerned, 

Only in the heart forsaken 
Had a tender pity burned.” 

Fanciful perhaps this story, 

But its lesson we may heed: 

Unrewarded never passes 
An unselfish, noble deed. 

THE PRAYER 
Clara J. Denton 

’Twas Christmas Eve, a wild, black night, 

The wind a wail of despair. 

A widow in her humble home 
Breathed low a prayer. 

“Dear Lord, my earnest prayer, oh hea**!” 

She whispered with a tearful sigh, 

“And on this evening which is Thine, 

To me be nigh. 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


“To me be nigh, who all alone 
Beside my hearth-stone wait Thy smile; 

To feel Thy presence near, will all 
My woe beguile. ” 

While still the prayer surged through her heart 
A knock resounded on the door, 

And soon her room with loving friends 
Was running o’er. 

Alone again, she prayed, “Oh Lord, 

I thank Thee for these gifts so free, 

These were Thy messengers, I know, 

Sent here by Thee.” 


THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE 

It was midnight on the hilltop and the fire was dim and 
low, 

While the weary shepherds slumbered round the embers’ 
dying glow, 

When a light shone round about them, brighter far than 
light of day, 

And they saw an angel standing in its pure and living 
ray. 

He was dressed in white apparel and his face was gravely 
sweet, 

And he spake unto them gently as they bowed them at 
his feet. 

“Fear ye not,” for they were troubled; “news of peace 
and joy I bring; 

For to-night in David’s City, Christ is born, your Lord 
and King.” 




FOR CHRISTMAS 


35 


As he spoke, adown the heavens, borne as on the ocean’s 
swell, 

Angel forms came floating nearer, angel voices rose and 
fell; 

“Unto God the highest glory. Peace on earth. To men 
good will.” 

Pealed the anthem that triumphant echoes down the ages 
still. 


As the angel vision vanished and the song grew faint and 
far, 

Clear and radiant in the heavens steadfast shone the 
guiding star; 

Then they traveled on and onward till they reached a 
lonely shed 

Where the King of all the nations in a manger laid his 
head, 

And the night was hushed and holy, while the star shone 
over them, 

And the angel song rang softly, “Christ is born in Beth¬ 
lehem!” 


Nineteen hundred years have fleeted since the shepherds 
heard that song, 

Since Judea’s hills were brightened by the presence of 
that throng; 

But adown the distant ages, when the Christmas time 
draws near, 

And our hearts and homes are brightened with the Christ¬ 
mas warmth and cheer— 

When our hearts with love grow warmer as the light glows 
in a gem— 

Softly steals the angel’s message, “Christ is born in Beth¬ 
lehem ! ’ ’ 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


A CHRISTMAS HYMN 
Eugene Field 

Sing, Christmas bells! 

Say to the earth this is the morn 
Whereon our Saviour-King is born; 

Sing to all men—the bond, the free, 
The rich, the poor, the high, the low, 
The little child that sports in glee, 

The aged folk that tottering go— 
Proclaim the morn 
That Christ is born, 

That saveth them and saveth me! 

Sing, angel host! 

Sing of the star that God has placed 
Above the manger in the east; 

Sing of the glories of the night, 

The Virgin’s sweet humility, 

The Babe with kingly robes bedight— 
Sing to all men where’er they be 
This Christmas morn; 

For Christ is born, 

That saveth them and saveth me. 

Sing, sons of earth! 

Oh ransomed seed of Adam, sing! 

God liveth, and we have a king! 

The curse is gone, the bond are free— 
By Bethlehem’s star that brightly beamed, 
By all the heavenly signs that be, 

We know that Israel is redeemed; 

That on this morn 
The Christ is born 
That saveth you and saveth me! 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


37 


Sing, oh my heart! 

Sing thou in rapture this dear morn 
Whereon the blessed Prince is born! 

And as thy songs shall be of love, 

So let my deeds be charity— 

By the dear Lord that reigns above. 

By Him that died upon the tree, 

By this fair morn 
Whereon is born 

The Christ that saveth all and me! 

From A Little Book of Western Verse. Copyright, 1889, by 
Eugene Field; published by Charles Scribner’s Sons. 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL 
James Russell Lowell 

“What means this glory round our feet,” 

The Magi mused, “more bright than morn?” 

And voices chanted clear and sweet, 

“To-day the Prince of Peace is born!” 

“What means that star,” the shepherds said, 
“That brightens through the rocky glen?” 

And angels, answering overhead, 

Sang, “Peace on earth, good will to men!” 

’T is eighteen hundred years and more 
Since those sweet oracles were dumb; 

We wait for Him, like them of yore; 

Alas, He seems so slow to come! 

But it was said in words of gold, 

No time or sorrow e’er shall dim, 

That little children might be bold 
In perfect trust to come to Him. 


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All round about our feet shall shine 
A light like that the wise men saw, 

If we our loving wills incline 

To that sweet Life which is the Law. 


• So shall we learn to understand 
The simple faith of shepherds then, 
And, clasping kindly hand in hand, 
Sing, “Peace on earth, good will to 


men!” 


But they who do their souls no wrong, 
But keep at eve the faith of morn, 
Shall daily hear the ang'el-song, 

‘ ‘ To-day the Prince of Peace is born !’ ’ 


CHRISTMAS QUOTATIONS 

Appropriate Christmas quotations, printed or written artistic¬ 
ally on the blackboard, add much to the Christmas spirit. 

Ah! there’s nothing like a Christmas Eve, 

To melt with kindly glowing heat 
From off our souls with snow and sleet, 

The dreary drift of wintry years! 

Ryan 


If I were a Song—a little Christmas Song— 

I’d find my way into a heart that had been silent long; 
I’d sing and sing and sing again my message of good will, 
Until that heart found, after all, it couldn’t quite keep 
still. 


The world is happy, the world is wide, 
Kind hearts -are beating on every side. 


Lowell 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


39 


Be merry all, be merry all, 

With holly dress the festive hall— 

Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, 

To welcome Merry Christmas! 

W. R. Spencer 


For Christmas comes but once a year, 

Aye, then shall they be merry; 

Though others’ purses be more fat, 

Why should we pine or grieve at that? 

Hang sorrow! Care will kill a cat, 

And therefore let’s be merry. 

Wither 

It is good to be children sometimes, and never better 
than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child 
Himself .—Dickens 

“God bless us, everyone!” (Tiny Tim) 

Dickens 


Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, 
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me. 

James Russell Lowell 

Peace to the earth, good will to men, 

From heaven’s eternal King. 

’T is the time of the year for the open hand, 

And the tender heart and true, 

When a rift of heaven has cleft the skies 
And the saints are looking through. 

Margaret Sangster 


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Ring a merry season, 

Joyous Christmas bells, 

What a tale of wonder 
Your sweet pealing tells! 

For one little Child’s sake 
- All the world is glad. 

The holly days are now in sight, 

The gladdest of the year, 

When homes are wreathed in evergreens, 

When hearts aglow with cheer. 

Ye, who have scorned each other, 

Or injured friend or brother, 

In this fast-fading year; 

Ye who by word or deed 
Have made a kind heart bleed, 

Come, gather here! 

Let sinned against and sinning 
Forget their strife’s beginning, 

And join in friendship now; 

Be links no longer broken, 

Be sweet forgiveness spoken, 

Under the holly bough. 

Charles Muckey 

Ho! ’tis Christmas, 

And the holly bright, 

Hanging in the windows, 

Fills us with delight. 

Dainty little berries, 

Shining red and round, 

You are very welcome 

When the snow is on the ground. 


DIALOGUES, EXERCISES AND PLAYS 


THEIR WISHES 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR SIX LITTLE GIRLS AND FIVE LITTLE BOYS 

They wear ordinary suits and are discovered seated in a 
semi-circle on kindergarten chairs. Plain stage. To save 
confusion they should be seated in the order in which they 
are to speak. They rise and come to the front to deliver their 
speeches, then return to their places. The first speaker does 
not, however, leave her place, and she should be trained to 
turn side face to audience and to look at the other children 
when addressing them. 

First Girl. 

If you weren’t you, who would you rather be? 

Now all of you must tell the truth to me. 

Second Girl. 

I think that I would like to be 
A teacher in a school, 

Where all the boys and girls who came 
Would follow every rule. 

I’d tell them stories every day 

And they would mind each word I’d say. 


Third Girl. 

I’d like to be a lady, tall and grand, 

With stylish clothes and rings upon my hand. 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


First Boy. 

I’d like to be a soldier boy 
In a suit so fine, 

With all the others marching on, 

Keeping in the line. 

Fourth Girl. 

I a little bird would be 
Sitting high up in a tree, 

Where ’most ev’rything I’d see. 

Singing a song — 

All the day-long, 

Calling the other birds to me. 

Second Boy. 

I’d be a sailor boy, 

In a sailor’s rig, 

Flying o’er the ocean, 

In a ship so big. 

Up the masts I’d climb, 

Singing all the time, 

Yo ho, yo ho! Who wouldn’t be 
A sailor, flying o’er the sea? 

Third Boy. 

I’d be a farmer, digging in the ground. 
Farmers are so happy all the year around. 

Fifth Girl. 

I would be a writer, 

And fairy tales so dear 
I would write, where no one 
Was ever bad or queer. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


43 


Fourth Boy. 

And aviator I would be 
To fly away o’er land and sea. 

Such stunts I’d do, I’d make men stare, 
And all the women I would scare: 

Then smiling come to earth again, 

And talk and jolly with the men. 


Sixth Girl. 

I think that I would like to sing 
Sweet songs, like birds upon the wing, 

Till everyone who heard my voice 
Would care forget and just rejoice. 

Fifth Boy. 

Policeman bold I’d choose to be, 

And all bad boys would run from me, 

But all good children I would buy 
Some candy, so they wouldn’t cry. 

All [rise mid address first speaker , who remains seated 
until she speaks]. 

Now all our wishes you have heard. 

Without one interrupting word; 

We will listen next to you, 

Tell your wish, so kind and true. 

First Girl. 

I would be a fairy kind. 

It would be my part to find 

Every little girl and boy 

Who had naught of Christmas joy. 

I would give it full and free, 

Till so happy they would be. 


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Then in homes of want and woe 
Needed gifts I would bestow. 

When at last the night came down 
In the country and the town 
So happily I’d hear all say, 

“I ’ve had a lovely Christmas Day.” 


SO DIFFERENT 
Clara J. Denton 

DIALOGUE FOR TWO LITTLE GIRLS 
They wear ordinary outdoor winter garments. Plain stage. 

Nellie enters at right of stage, drawing a liand-sled x 
When she has nearly reached the left exit , Flora runs 
in at right. 

Flora [calling]. Nellie, Nellie, come here! [She stands 
at front center and Nellie, turning about, comes to 
her.] 

Nellie. What’s the matter? I’ve got to go home, it’s 
’most dinner time. 

Flora. I know it, but I ’ve something to tell you. We ’re 
going to have a Christmas tree at our church to-night 
and I want you and your mother to come. 

Nellie. We have one at our church to-morrow night. 

Flora. Well, that won’t keep you from coming to ours 
to-night, will it? 

Nellie. No, I s’pose not. If mother doesn’t mind going 
two nights, I’d like it all right. 

Flora. Well, you tell your mother we ’re going to have 
a fine program, with Santa Claus and everything. 

Nellie. I ’ll tell her and I ’ll coax her real hard to come. 

Flora. Of course you know you ’ll not get a present 
from the tree, only the Sunday School children get 
those. 




FOR CHRISTMAS 


45 


Nellie. Oh yes, I know. Why can’t yon come to our 
tree? 

Flora. I suppose I can. My big sister will go with me. 
Are you going to have a Santa Claus? 

Nellie. I don’t know. I suppose so. Say, a girl who 
goes to my school—she’s bigger ’n I am—told me 
something awful queer the other day. 

Flora. Tell me about it, can’t you? 

Nellie. She said she went to three Christmas trees last 
year and they had a Santa Claus at each one of them 
and they were n’t a single bit alike. 

Flora. My! Did she tell you how they looked? 

Nellie. Yes. The first one was a short, fat man, and 
the next was a great tall, fat man, and the third one 
was awfully tall, but was only just a little fat. 

Flora. Oh, I know how that was! The short one grew 
tall. [Laughs.] 

Nellie. Guess not! She saw the short, fat one in the 
afternoon and the tall, fat one in the evening. Then 
she saw the one that wasn’t so fat the next evening. 

Flora. Well, they must have had different Santa Clauses. 

Nellie. I’d just like to know how many there are, then. 

Flora. Do you suppose they could be mean enough to 
dress somebody up just to fool us kids? 

Nellie. And another thing, the first Santa Claus had 
short whiskers and the next had great long ones. 

Flora. Must have grown quickly. 

Nellie. Why, they couldn’t so quickly as that. [They 
laugh.] 

Flora. Well, now, we ’ll see if the Santas look alike 
this year. 

Nellie. I just don’t believe they’re real. You don’t 
look one way to-day, .and another way to-morrow, noth¬ 
ing the same about you, except your clothes. 

Flora. Let’s watch them this year and if there’s one 


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kind of a Santa Claus at my Sunday School and 
another kind at yours, we ’ll just know he’s an old 
make-believe. 

Nellie. And we won’t ever believe in Santa Claus again, 
will we?. And now I must go on home. 

Flora. Well, don’t forget to-night. We ’ll have lots of 
fun. [Exeunt right and left.] 

< 

A CHRISTMAS CONSPIRACY 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR TWO LITTLE BOYS 

Scene: A plain stage. The hoys wear ordinary suits 
They enter on different sides of stage and meet at 
center. 

Gerald. Say, aren’t you glad to-morrow’s Christmas? 

James. ’Course. Aren’t you? 

Gerald. Yep. What do you think Santa Claus will bring 
you? 

James. Oh, I don’t know. I’ve written him a letter 
and asked for about a dozen things, but Billy Jones, 
who lives next door to us, says he did that last year 
and he didn’t get one of the things he asked for— 
not one. 

Gerald. Maybe Santa Claus did n’t get the letter. Some¬ 
times people don’t get letters that are sent to them. 

James. I know it. My sister didn’t get a letter her beau 
said he wrote her, and I tell you, it pretty near broke 
them up. 

Gerald. Maybe her beau didn’t write the letter that he 
said he did. 

James. Well, I know I wrote to Santa Claus. 

Gerald. Well, I ’ll tell you, I don’t know what to think 
about Santa Claus, anyway. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


47 


James. Why, he ’s a good old fellow—guess he does all 
he can for everybody. But think of all the people 
he has to look out for everywhere. 

Gerald. Yes, and maybe he has to go up to the stars 
and look after the people up there. My, how could 
he ever do it? 

James. I suppose he could if he had to. If you ’ll watch 
people you ’ll find they always do what they have to. 

Gerald. That’s so, I guess. 

James. But I ’ll tell you a great big secret if you ’ll 
promise never, never to tell any one. 

Gerald. All right, I ’ll never tell. 

James. Last year we had a Santa Claus at our church 
and when he was taking the presents^off the tree, I 
went up close to him, and the back of his neck looked 
exactly like my daddy’s. 

Gerald. Oh, but it couldn’t have been. Why didn’t 
you ask him? 

James. I did next morning. 

Gerald. What did he say? 

James. He laughed at me and said maybe he was Santa 
Claus, seeing he had such a smart boy. But I tell 
you, Jimmy, what let’s do. There’s going to be a 
Santa Claus at the church to-morrow night and let’s 
you and me just watch him real careful and if he’s 
anybody that belongs around the church we can catch 
him. 

Gerald. All right; that’s just what we ’ll do. We ’ll find 
out this time for good and certain and if he is a make- 
believe Santa Claus, we ’ll tell him of it. 

James. That’s what we ’ll do! My, won’t that be fun? 

Gerald. Now don’t tell anybody. [Voice behind scenes, 
calling, “Jimmy!”] There, my mother’s calling me. 
I’ve got to go. 

James. I must go too. [Exeunt right and left.] 


48 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


THE LONELY MAN 

FOR TWO LITTLE GIRLS 

They wear ordinary costumes and are discovered seated in 
kindergarten chairs. 

Anna. 

There’s such a funny man who lives next door to us. 
Constance. 

What does he do—scold all the time and make a fuss? 
Anna. 

No, but when he saw me first, ’fore my name he heard, 
He called it out, and said he learned it from a bird. 
Constance. 

But birds can’t talk. Why should he say a thing like 
that? 

Anna. 

That’s what I told him when he said it, right out flat. 
Constance. 

My, I guess he was surprised. Then what did he say ? 
Anna. 

Just began to whistle and turned his head away. 

So I ran up to him and most politely said, 

As if I didn’t know he’d turned away his head, 

4 ‘Oh sir, to-morrow’s Christmas. Say, aren’t you pretty 
glad?” 

He turned and looked at me so awful, awful mad, 

I was so scared, I thought I’d have to run away, 

But he took me by the arm and just made me stay. 
Constance. 

Oh, what could you do? I’m sure I should have 
screamed right out. 

Anna. 

Oh no, because, you see, the folks were all aboujt. 

But oh, his face was wrinkled up, and then he said, 

“I won’t hear of Christmas! To me the day is dead!” 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


49 


Constance. 

Oh my, but he must be an awful, awful man! 

Anna. 

Then he let go my arm and so away I ran. 

And mother said, “He’s in this great big world alone, 
With nothing in his heart at ail but just a stone.” 
Constance. 

The poor old man! How can he live at all that way ? 
Let’s take some flowers to him for his Christmas Day. 
And maybe then his poor old heart of stone will grow 
Into another kind, all full of love, you know. 

Anna. 

Let’s go see mother, she will help the flowers plan. • 
Constance. 

Which we will take to cheer this sad and lonely man. 
Together. 

This is what he said, 

“Christmas Day is dead.” 

We ’ll show him Christmas Day is here, 

When these two little girls are near. 

CURTAIN 

A CHRISTMAS GAME 

FOR FOUR SMALL BOYS AND TJIREE SMALL GIRLS 

This little game may be played in the schoolroom on every 
day a~ week or more before Christmas. Four boys and three 
girls may take the parts, chosen as a reward for good work. 
The school may prepare the stockings and presents by cutting 
stockings from paper and the presents from advertisements. A 
fringe of paper may serve as a beard for Santa Claus. 

Paul. Let us play it is Christmas. 

Philip. I will be Santa Claus. 

Julia. I will be the mother, and Elsie, Fred and Grace 
may be my children. 


50 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Fred. I will put up this string so that we may hang up 
our stockings. 

Julia. Here are the stockings. 

Fred. The big one is mine. 

Elsie. I will have this one. 

Grace. I am the baby and will take the little one. 

Julia. What do you want in your stocking, Gracie? 
Grace. I want a big doll with eyes that will open and shut. 
Elsie. I want a set of dishes. 

Fred. I want a bicycle. 

Paul. Oh! oh! oh! a bicycle in a stocking! 

Fred. Well, I want a bicycle for Christmas. 

Philip. So do I. We can have them beside our stockings. 
Julia. Come, my children, you must all go to sleep now. 
Elsie. I like to go to bed early the night before Christmas. 
Philip. Yes, it makes morning come sooner. 

Grace. Good night, everybody. 

All. Good night! Good night! 

[Children lay their heads on desks and close their 
eyes.] 

Santa Claus. Oh, yes! Here are some stockings to fill. 
I think I have just what these children will like. [Fills 
stockings.] Now I must go as quietly as I can. I 
hear my reindeer on the roof. 

Paul. Wake up, everybody! Merry Christmas! 

All. Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Chris- 
mas! 

Fred. Come and get our stockings. 

Philip. Here they are all full! 

Elsie. I wish I could have seen Santa Claus when he 
filled them! 

[Children take their stockings to their desks.] 

Grace. Oh, look at my doll! 

Elsie. See this pretty book! 



FOR CHRISTMAS 


51 


Philip. I have a bicycle. 

Fred. So have I! 

Paul. See my cart! 

All. Three cheers for Santa Claus and a Merry Christmas 
to all! 

Cyr’s Dramatic First Reader 

THE BARGAIN 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR TWO LITTLE BOYS 

COSTUMES: Ordinary suits, Walter wears winter outdoor 

garments. 

SCENE: Interior, table at front center. 

Fred is discovered standing at the table constructing a 
house out of building blocks. These blocks should 
not be the common alphabet blocks, but those with 
parts of buildings, made for older children . 

Walter [entering, right]. Say, Fred, get on your coat 
and all your fixings and come out with your hand- 
sled. I’ve asked your mother and she says you may 
go if you want to. 

Fred [adding another block to his building]. But I don’t 
know as I want to. This is lots of fun. 

Walter. Yes, I ’spect it is. Those are dandy blocks. 
Did Santa Claus bring them ? 

Fred. Yes, last year. 

Walter. Wish he’d bring me some. 

Fred. Well, I wish he’d bring me a box of tools. I want 
a saw and a hammer and all those things. I’d have 
written him a letter, but I don’t know where he lives. 

Walter. Oh, you don’t have to know that, just send the 
letter to [mention local store] and they ’ll send it on 
to Santa Claus. 


52 


BRIGliT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Fred. But how do they know where Santa Claus lives? 

Walter. Oh, I don’t know, but I guess they do, they 
pretend they do anyway. 

Fred. But, say, don’t you think it ’s queer that nobody 
knows just where he lives ? 

Walter. Oh, somebody must know. 

Fred. Well, they don’t know for sure. The other day my 
teacher was telling us all about Columbus. Do you 
know about Columbus? 

Walter. Well, I guess so! My father told me all about 
him before I was even in the kindergarten. 

Fred. Well, my teacher, when she was telling us about 
him, said eveiy part of this world has been discovered 
now, and that there isn’t any more need of men like 
Columbus. Then I raised my hand and said, 4 ‘But 
they haven’t found out where Santa Claus lives yet,” 
and everybody in the room laughed. 

Walter. What did they do that for? 

Fred. That’s what I’d like to know. 

Walter. Didn’t the teacher say anything? 

Fred. Yes, she said, “Well, Freddie, you can take that 
for your job when you are a big man.” And I just 
made up my mind right there that I ’d do that very 
thing. 

Walter. ‘ All right, Fred. I ’ll go with you. 

Fred [begins to put away blocks, this action continuing 
throughout the rest of the dialogue ]. Say, let’s do 
that when we ’re big men! Just think how fine that 
will be, to find out all about where Santa Claus lives 
and everything. 

Walter. Come on, hurry up and get your things on and 
we ’ll go out and play, now, that we are discovering 
the home of Santa Claus. 

Fred. All right, but you must promise right now that 
we ’ll stick together when we ’re men and we ’ll travel 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


53 


all over this whole world, until we find just exactly 
the spot where Santa Claus lives. I believe he lives 
where it’s awful cold, don’t you? ’Cause in all the 
pictures he always has winter clothes on. 

Walter. But I ’ve got an uncle who came to visit us. He 
lives in California, and he told us how warm it is 
there all winter. He was telling about some place in 
the mountains, and he said it was just the kind of 
place where you’d think Santa Claus ought to live. 

Fred. You ought to’ve made him tell you all about it. 

Walter. I tried to, but he said, “Wait till you ’re a man, 
then you can go there.” 

Fred. That’s the way big people always talk, and I think 
it’s awful mean, when they know what an awful long 
time it takes to grow up. 

Walter. Well, no matter, we ’ll be big after a while and 
if we find out where Santa Claus lives, we ’ll be greater 
than Columbus. But don’t let’s tell anyone. 

Fred. No, we won’t even tell our mothers. They might 
laugh at us. 

Walter. No, it’s just a bargain between you and me, 
but if we find out where Santa Claus lives, then we ’ll 
laugh. 

Fred. Come on, now, my coat and things are in the hall, 
we ’ll go out and make a big snow pile and then we ’ll 
play we find Santa Claus in it. 

[Exeunt left, laughing ] 

SANTA CLAUS EXPLAINED 
Clara J. Denton 
dialogue for two small boys 

They wear ordinary suits and are discovered, Henry seated 
in a low chair whittling and George sitting on the 
floor looking at a large picture book. 


54 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


George. Say, Henry, I been thinking about something 
awful hard. 

Henry [without looking up]. What is it? 

George. Where does Santa Claus get all his money? 

Henry [pushing hook away and jumping up]. Why, he 
doesn’t have to have any. 

George. Then how does he get all his toys and beautiful 
presents? He brought my mother a diamond pin 
last year that must have cost a lot of money, maybe 
a hundred million dollars. 

Henry. But he doesn’t buy the things he gives away. 

George. How does he get them then? 

Henry. He makes them. 

George. Oh pshaw! He couldn’t make all the things. 
He could n’t make the ■ diamonds in my mother’s 
pin. 

Henry. Maybe he didn’t bring it to her. 

George. Oh, yes he did ! I heard her tell ever so many 
people that Santa Claus brought it to her. 

Henry. Well, then, it’s just the way I said before. He 
makes everything he brings to people. 

George. Oh, go on! He could n’t. 

Henry. But you know he has loads and loads of men who 
work for him all the time, just as hard as ever they 
can. 

George. How do you know that? 

Henry. Oh, I ’ve heard about it. His men work all the 
time making those things, they work winter and sum¬ 
mer. Santa Claus works at Christmas time. The rest 
of the time he just sleeps. 

George. But that doesn’t tell where he gets diamonds 
and things like that. 

Henry. Well, I don’t know where he gets them, but he 
gets them some way>- 

George. He must be pretty smart. 


FOR CHRISTMAS - 


55 


Henry. Of course he is. If he was n’t he would n’t be 
Santa Claus. 

George. Say, I bet I know how he does it. When he 
wants anything he just waves his hand in the air and 
says, “Come!” to whatever he wants. If he wants 
diamonds, he says, ‘ 1 Come diamonds! ’ ’ and they come. 

Henry. My! that’s easy. 

George. Is n’t it ? I want a box of tools, I’m going to 
try it. [Waves his hands in air and calls.] Box of 
tools come! [They stand silent a few seconds. Phono¬ 
graph behind scenes plays band music.] 

Both. Oh, there’s a parade, come on!* [Exeunt right, 
running. ] 


A REAL SANTA CLAUS 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR FIVE LITTLE GIRLS 
They wear ordinary garments. 

They are discovered sitting in kindergarten chairs, each 
holding a doll. 

First Little Girl. Do you ’spose Santa Claus is real ? 

All. Of course he’s real. 

Second Little Girl. I saw him down town yesterday, my 
very own self. 

Third Little Girl. So did I. He has a great long white 
beard and he wears such funny clothes. 

Fourth Little Girl. Yes, and he looked exactly like his 
pictures. 

Fifth Little^ Girl. I havener seen him yet. But mother 
and I are going down town to see him to-morrow, 
then I ’ll tell you all about it. 


56 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


First Little Girl. I wish I could see him. 

Second Little Girl. Why, you can. Ask your mother to 
take you down town to the big store. He’s there every 
afternoon. He spoke to me just as nice and kind. 

All. Oh, what did he say? 

Second Little Girl. He said, “Hello, sissy, be sure to 
hang your stocking where I can find it. ” [They all 

laugh.] 

Third Little Girl. Well, he didn’t say anything to me. 
There was such a crowd of kids around him I could n’t 
get anywhere near him. 

Second Little Girl. Well, you must go early if you want 
to get a good sight of him, before the crowds get there. 

First Little Girl. I ’ll tell my mother that. 

Fifth Little Girl. So will I. 

First Little Girl. My, but that will be fun to see a real 
Santa Claus! I guess my mother ’ll be glad too, be¬ 
cause I asked her one day if Santa Claus was real and 
she said, ‘ ‘ Oh, I don’t know. ’ ’ 

Fourth Little Girl. So she ’ll be glad to know that he is 
real, won’t she? 

Fifth Little Girl. My big brother says Santa Claus 
is n’t real; but he does n’t know ’cause he has n’t been 
to see him. 

First Little Girl. Why doesn’t he go? 

Fifth Little Girl. Oh, he won’t go, he just makes fun 
of me whenever I tell him to go. 

Second Little Girl. Well, I guess we know what we see. 

All. Of course we do. 

First Little Girl. I’m going home now to tell my 
mother, so she ’ll be sure to go to-morrow. 

Third Little Girl. Let’s all get our mothers to go at the 
same time. Wouldn’t that be fun? 

Fifth Little Girl. So it would. Let’s all go home now 
and see about it. [Exeunt right , running.] 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


57 


THE LOST FAIRIES 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR FOUR LITTLE GIRLS AND A SANTA CLAUS, IF CONVENIENT 

SONG 

Air, “Little Drops of Water” 

We are little fairies, 

And we ’ve lost our way. 

Naughty, naughty fairies, 

Thus to go astray. 

Seldom does it happen 
That we wander so, 

We are like bad children 
Don’t know where to go. 

Maybe when the night comes 
Dropping softly down 
Fays will here come dancing, 

-Each in gauzy gown. 

When the danc£ is over 
With them we will go 
Flitting, flitting swifty, 

Then the way we ’ll know. 

First Fairy. To-morrow is Christmas, we must get back 
where the children are. I am sure I can show you 
the way, if you will only follow me. 

Second Fairy. But you don’t know the way any better 
than I do, so why should we follow you? 

Third Fairy. Well, follow me then, for I know just 
where the children are,' and Santa Claus and every¬ 
thing. We have to go right down this path [points] 


58 BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 

then turn to the left, and pretty soon we will come to 
the children. 

Fourth Fairy. Oh, I don’t think that is the way at all, 
but I am sure / know it. My* grandmother gave me a 
rule so that I can always find any place that I want' 
to and can never, never be lost. 

All. Tell it, tell it! 

Fourth Fairy. No, I ’ll not tell it, but if you’ll follow 
me I can take you where the children are. 

First Fairy. Oh, I don’t care whether we get there or 
not. Let’s sing again. 

We were naughty fairies, 

Thus to lose the track. 

Oh, there’s dear old Santa! [ They all point off left.] 
He will take us back. [Exeunt left.] 

[A different ending may be given to this little play by 
having Santa Claus enter left, put one little girl 
an*’ each shoulder, take one under each arm and 
exit left.] 


IN THE EAST 
Clara J. Denton 

ONE-ACT PLAY FOR SIX BOYS AND TWO GIRLS 

CHARACTERS 
Servants of Melchior Gaspar 

Two Daughters of Melchior Baltazar 
Melchior The Three Wise Men 

COSTUMES 

Long, loose garments for the men; white, loose frocks for the 
girls. A careful study of an illustrated Bible will give more 
help as to details of costume than the most elaborate de¬ 
scriptions. 

Scene: Melchior’s home.' Trim, the stage elaborately 
with oriental hangings, couches, cushions, etc. Cur - 


FOR CHRISTMAS 59 

* 

tain rises on empty stage. First and Second Serv¬ 
ants enter from different sides. 

First Servant. Have you heard the strange news? 

Second Servant. No, I have heard nothing. How could I ? 
Nothing ever happens in this queer abode where our 
master Melchior and his friends, Caspar and Baltazar, 
are always studying, either the sky, or strange, musty, 
dusty hooks. 

First Servant. Yes, but now something has come of their 
studying the sky so much. 

Second Servant. Indeed, and what? That it will rain 
to-morrow, or that there will be a long spell of dry 
weather ? 

First Servant. Something more than that—a great deal 
more than that. 

Third Servant [rur\ning in right and shouting as he runs 
across scene]. Listen, listen! Melchior, Caspar and 
Baltazar go on a journey. [Exit left.] 

Second Servant. What does that mean? Why should 
they go on a journey? 

First Servant. Well, why shouldn’t they, if such is their 
desire ? 

Second Servant. It will take much gold. 

First Servant. But the gold is theirs. I am glad they 
are to go. Perhaps on their return we shall hear 
something of their strange adventures. 

Third and Fourth Servants [running in right and shout¬ 
ing.] Make ready the camels, make ready the camels! 
Melchior, Casper and Baltazar go on a journey. 
[Exeunt left.] 

First Servant. Well, that does not concern us. 

Second Servant. Not at all, we have no care of the camels. 

First Servant. Doubtless, though, there will be demand 
for our services soon enough. 


60 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Second Servant. But what was the wonderful news you 
were about to tell me when the noisy, shouting ser¬ 
vants ran in, telling us that the great and wise masters 
go on .a journey ? 

First Servant. Oh, yes, I was about to tell you that 
Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar have discovered a new 
and overbright star in the east. 

Second Servant. A new star; that is, indeed, a wonder. 
Which one saw it first? 

First Servant. That I cannot tell. I know not if one 
saw it first, or if all saw it at one and the same time. 
But the star is there, though it has never been there 
before. 

Second Servant. And what do they call it? 

First Servant. That I have not heard. 

Fifth Servant [entering right ]. Haste, haste! Melchior, 
Gaspar and Baltazar go on a journey. Prepare their 
fine linen, their costly robes. 

First Servant. Oh, that is a call for me! I must leave 
you to make things ready. 

Second Servant. Would you could stay to tell me more! 

First Servant. Alas, I have told you all that has come 
to my ears. [Exit left.] 

Second ^Servant. It is hard to learn anything in this 
household, where all know everything and none knows 
anything for certain. [Enter two maidens right.] 

First Maiden. What is that you are saying against this 
household ? 

Second Servant. Oh, nothing, nothing, honorable daugh¬ 
ter of Melchior, only it is so hard to find out anything 
here. The servants are all running about, telling that 
your father and his friends are to go on a journey, 
but I can find out nothing about it. 

First Maiden. If the servants are all busy preparing for 
this journey, how is it that you are idle? 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


61 


Second Servant. No work has yet been given me. Do 
you know when they are going ? 

Second Maiden. No. Why does it matter to us? 

Second. Servant. And have you seen the star? The star 
your father and the other wise men have discovered? 

First Maiden. No, I go to my bed too soon, but I heard 
Gaspar say this was the star they long had sought. 
I marvel that big, grown men will go searching around 
after stars, when they cannot have them even after 
they are found. [ Retires up stage.] 

Second Maiden. My eyes are ever closed when the star 
is shining, but I will open them wide to-night and 
mayhap I shall see it too. 

First Servant [running in excitedly, right]. I have found 
out all about the star and everything. 

Second Servant. Do tell me, quick! 

First Servant. Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar have been 
reading in their great books of history that some day 
a wonderful king will be born in a distant land, and 
that when he comes a star will appear in the east and 
if they follow it they will be led to the place where 
the child is cradled. So now the star is come and they 
are going soon to find him. They are to ride night 
after night, Rr many nights, for it is a far distant 
land. 

Sixth Servant [running in right]. Melchior, Gaspar and 
Baltazar go on a journey. Get together presents rare, 
to give to a King—gold, frankincense and myrrh! 
[Exit left.] 

Second Servant. Ah, that is- a call for me! Now I must 
be busy. 

First Servant. And I also must finish my task. [Exeunt 
right and left.] 

Melchior [entering right]. To have seen the star! 
[Crosses hands on breast and looks up.] And more 


62 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


than all, to know that the long, long looked for King 
has come. What joy! 

Gaspar [entering right]. We must soon be on our way, 
good Melchior. Oh, what happiness is ours! Berhaps 
we shall be the first to honor this King. Is Baltazar 
also prepared ? 

Baltazar [entering right]. I also am ready. Oh, what 
joy is ours, to be able to set forth on this marvelous 
journey! Future generations shall tell of our wisdom 
and learning and honor us that we recognized the 
worth of this King and so soon set forth to acknowl¬ 
edge Him. Melchior, let us then set forth at once on 
our travels. Our camels are ready, and our robes and 
gifts will come after us. One of my most trusted 
servants will bring them to us. [Exeunt left.] 

Second Servant [entering right]. What joy is mine! I 
go with these precious gifts in my care! I too shall 
follow the star through the long, long nights, resting 
only in the day. I too shall kneel before the King 
and see Him in all His glory. [He recites the fol¬ 
lowing lines] : 

Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar 
Have seen in the east a blazintpstar, 

And full of joy, now, each one rides 
Where a King in all his pomp abides. 

Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar, 

With hope rejoice as they ride afar, 

Till they come at last with their offering 
To lay at the feet of the infant King. 

[Exit left]. 

Maidens come forward. 

First Maiden [turning to another]. I have had a vision, 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


63 


a wonderful vision. The Baby King will not lie in 
great state, but in a lowly manger. 

Second Maiden. Mow strange a vision! Can this be true? 
A king in a manger? 

First Maiden. Yea verily, mine eyes have seen the sight. 
[Recites] : 

In a lowly manger, 

See a Baby lie 
Wise men eager, watching, 

Shining star on high. 

Since the tiny Baby 
In a manger lay, 

All the world rejoices 
On this Christmas Day. 

CHRISTMAS FAR AWAY 
Clara J. Denton 

AN EXERCISE-FOR THREE GIRLS AND THREE BOYS 
CHARACTERS 

Holland, Sweden, Germany, girls. 

Russia, Spain, Armenia, boys. 

COSTUMES . 

Holland, Coarse blue cloth gown, tight-fitting ivaist and full 
skirt, white, close-fitting cap and wooden shoes . 

Sweden, Red gown, similar to Holland, tvith the addition of 
long, full white sleeves and long white apron. White cap 
with flaring crown. 

Germany, Bright woolen dress, heavy leather shoes, red woolen 
cap with tassel. 

Russia, Russian blouse, knee trousers, high boots, peak-crotcned 
hat. 

Spain, White coat with flower in button-hole, loose white 
trousers, sombrero trimmed with gay ribbons. 

Armenia, Turkish costume. 

Reference to any good ivorld’s history will aid in arranging 


64 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


costumes. Each child wears about the neck a large card 
on which is printed in black capital letters the country 
which he or she represents. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS 

The children enter singly to soft music, come to the front and 
recite the assigned lines; the whole school then sings the 
proper verse of the song here given, and each child retires 
to center of stage, taking proper place so that when all the 
children have spoken they will form a line through the 
center of stage. 

The song is sung to the tune of “Love?s Old Sweet Song,” 
using the first four lines only. This song will be found on 
page 41 of il Uncle Sam’s School Songs.”* 

Holland [recites]. 

How do the children here keep Christmas time? 

I will tell you as well as I can in rhyme. 

We watch for Kriss Kringle, that funny old man; 

This is the way for his coming we plan: 

Our good wooden shoes we put by the door, 

And there they are filled from Kriss Kringle’s store. 
Good old Kriss Kringle. 

School [rnigrs]. ■ 

Hurrah for you, Holland, country so brave, 

Long may your good flag in peacefulness wave. 

Long may the smoke o’er your neat homesteads curl, 
Long may your windmills in helpfulness whirl! 

Sweden [recites]. # 

In my land we remember the birds 

And with something more than just good words. 

We tie on trees, too high for the cat, 

Pieces of meat, of suet and fat. 

Though plain and poor our Christmas may be, 

Birds have a feast on fence-post and tree. 

School [smgr$]. 

Dear old Sweden, we will love you for this, 

•Price. 30 cents. 


/ 



FOR CHRISTMAS 


That never your birds their Christmas can miss. 

Often we wish that in this goodly land 

Birds might be cared for with kind, loving hand. 

Germany [ recites ]. 

In Germany’s land 
Did first take its stand 
The Christmas tree fair, 

Now loved ev’ryivhere 
By the children all, 

Whether large or small. 

Then let this credit stand 
To queer old German land. 

School [mwjrs]. 

We will give honor where honor is due, 

If story so strange is one that is true. 

But green things were used the houses to trim 
When first came the Christ Child, in honor of Him. 
Russia [ recites ]. 

Cold, indeed, our Christmas time; 

Snow the rule in Russia’s clime. 

But on Christmas eve, the boys 
Go about, with fun and noise, 

Dressed as animals, and show 
All the capers that they know. 

All the tricks that would be done 
By the animals in fun. 

Oh, ’t is great, you must believe, 

In old Russia, Christmas eve. 

School [ sings ]. 

The ways of all the animals to know, 

And all their habits strange to freely show, 

A game, we think, which all would gladly play, 
Whether in Russia, or in U. S. A. 


66 BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 

Spain [recites]. 

A holy day is Christmas kept 
In the land of sunny old Spain, 

Not one moment is spent in play, 

Not one moment to bring in gain. 

The wise men we expect to bring 
Fine gifts for us from out their store, 

So carefully on Christmas Eve, 

Our shoes we place outside the door. 

School [sings]. 

Honor to old Spain for keeping this day 
As one set apart in the good old way. 

Holy day it is, holy should it be, 

Thoughts of praise and prayer from both you and me 
Armenia [recites]. 

With us a dozen candles are lighted, 

And while all the flames brightly burn, 

The father tells us tales of old Christmas, 

Each one is repeated in turn. 

And we hear of the Child in the manger, 

The song which was sung in the night, 

And all the other dear stories, 

Till gone is each bright candle-light. 

School [sings ]. 

Armenia’s story has been good to hear, 

In that far off land the faith they hold dear. 

So round the world it goes, in every clime, 

And bells ring out the merry Christmas chime. 

All Characters [recite in concert]. 

And now we bid you all adieu, 

Our Christmas ways we’ve told to you. 

Some day, perhaps, the seas you ’ll roam 
And see us in each far off home. 

[All march out to lively music.] 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


67 


THE MINISTER’S DAUGHTER 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR FOUR GIRLS AND ONE SMALL BOY 
CHARACTERS 


Miriam 

Anna 

Louisa 


Constance, the Minister’s 


Daughter 
Small Boy 


The girls should he thirteen or fourteen years of age . 


COSTUMES 


Ordinary home attire, except for Constance and Small Boy, 
both of whom wear out-door winter garments. 

Scene: Plain interior , working table at front center. 
Chair at left of table . Miriam, Anna and Louisa are 
discovered at rise gathered around this table, Miriam 
standing at left end , a large earthen bowl with spoon 
and a small bag of sugar [not more than two pounds] 
in front of her . Anna sits at rear side of table„ 
facing audience, cracking English walnuts with a nut 
cracker Louisa at right of table is picking meats out 
of the walnuts and putting them into a food chopper 
fastened on the table near her. 

Miriam. Girls, surely you don’t mean to say this is all 
the sugar we have? 

Anna. Exactly. 

Louisa. Only that and nothing more. 

Miriam [untying bag and emptying sugar into the bowl]. 
But I don’t understand it. 

Anna. You would, my dear, if you had bought all those 
walnuts and the cakes of chocolate. 

Miriam. But how in the world do you expect me to make 
the fondants for all the cream chocolates, to say noth¬ 
ing of the other sweet things, out of this handful of 
sugar ? 

Anna. Must you have fondants? 


68 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Miriam. Naturally, if we have cream chocolates. 

Louisa. "Why do you call them fondants? 

Miriam. Because that is the proper name for them. 

Louisa. Oh, I know all the candy receipts say fondants, 
but at the candy factories they call them centers, 
which I’m sure is much the better name, shorter 
and easier to say. 

Miriam. How do you know what they say in a candy 
factory? You were never inside of one in your life, 
I am sure. 

Louisa. No, but a girl lived next door to us once who 
worked in one. 

Anna. But it takes just as much sugar to make centers 
as it does to make fondants, I suppose? 

Miriam. Yes, and I may as well stop right here. Queer, 
our minister hunted up the poor children for us to 
make the Christmas candy for, and he said Constance 
should help us, but she hasn’t collected a cent of 
money and isn’t here this morning to help us. 

Anna. I’d like to know what good she is any way. 

Louisa. So would I; she does n’t do a thing but hang 
around those boys in her mother’s Sunday-school class. 

Miriam. I know it; she spent the whole of the intermis¬ 
sion between church and Sunday school last Sunday, 
talking to that homely little Meers boy. 

Anna. Wonder what she sees in him—no one else ever 
looks at him. 

Louisa. I shouldn’t think her mother would let her act 
that way. 

Anna. Maybe ministers’ daughters are as bad as min¬ 
isters’ sons. 

Louisa. Oh dear, that old superstition! My grandmother 
says she has known ministers’ families intimately all 
her life and she never knew but one minister who 
had a bad son. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


69 


Miriam, But girls, all this talk doesn’t help me any. 
What am I to do? 

Louisa. I don’t know. 

Anna. Neither do I. 

Miriam. Well, then I may as well quit, if this is all the 
sugar I am to have. [She drops into chair .] 

Anna. I suppose we ’ll have to go out and solicit some 
more money. 

Louisa. Oh dear, and getting this pittance nearly finished 
us! 

Constance [entering right]. Oh, good morning, girls! All 
here at work I see. How are you getting on? 

Miriam [rising]. Well, I ’m not getting on at all. I have 
a handful of sugar and out of it I am to make about 
one hundred fondants, or centers, whichever you 
choose to call them, to say nothing of the other stuff, 
so I just quit before I started. 

Constance. Dear me, that’s easily remedied. Buy more 
sugar. 

All. What with ? 

Constance [shaking her muff and raining dimes , quar¬ 
ters, dollars and hills on the table]. With this. 

Miriam [joyously]. Oh, but that looks like business! 

Anna. Where did you get all that money? 

Louisa. We were just dreading going out to solicit some 
and here it comes pouring in. 

Constance. Mother’s Sunday-school class went out and 
collected it. My! How I have worked with the little 
rascals to get them interested! They’ve gathered^this 
in during the last three days. Some of it they’ve 
earned themselves. I couldn’t make any impression 
on that Meers boy, until I told him some of those 
children father found didn’t even know what candy 
was. That brought him over, for he’s the worst lit¬ 
tle pig for candy, always has his pockets full. 


70 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Miriam. Well, Constance, you’ve helped us out finely. 
And now, don’t you want to go out and buy some 
sugar for us? That will be another great help. 

Constance. Of course I do. I ’ll take this five-dollar 
bill along and, as it’s only a step to the grocery 
store, I ’ll have it back here in a few minutes. ['Exit 
right hurriedly.] 

Miriam. Now girls, I do hope we are all properly ashamed 
of ourselves. I’m sure I am. 

Anna. So am I, Meers boy and all. 

Louisa. So am I. Isn’t it queer how we all go on judg¬ 
ing people by appearances, when we know it is not 
the right thing to do t. 

Anna. I’m always ashamed of myself whenever I do it, 
and it always turns out just about as this has. 

Miriam. Yes, for Constance and her boys have collected' 
about twice as much as the rest of us all put together. 

Anna. I feel as if I’d like to apologize to Constance, 

but I ’m not good enough to own up how mean I’ve 

been. 

Louisa. The best way, I think, is never, never to let our¬ 
selves judge another’s actions by just what we see. 

Anna. Yes, but can we do it? That’s the point. We 
think we ’ll never be so wicked and foolish again, but 
I know I ’ll do it at the first opportunity. When 
things look wrong I ’ll just settle down that they must 
he wrong. 

Louisa. I ’ll tell you what we can do, we three who have 
been caught in this thing together. We can watch 

and warn each other and maybe in the future we 

will learn to behave ourselves as we should. 

Small Boy [running in right]. Say, Constance wants you 
girls to come to the grocery store right away. There 
are fifty dandy candy boxes down there you can buy 
cheap and she wants you all to come and look at them. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


71 


[Exit right. All rise, Miriam gathers up money.] 
Miriam. Come on, girls, our things are in the hall. Fifty 
candy boxes are just what we want. My, isn’t Con¬ 
stance a jewel? Hurrah for the Christmas candies, 
they are going to be a great success! [Exeunt left.] 


CHRISTMAS IN FACT 
Clara J. Denton 

DIALOGUE FOR TWO EIGHTH-GRADE BOYS 
Ordinary suits are worn. 

Scene: Plain stage, small table and two chairs at center. 
Tom is discovered seatedl at a table, reading a large 
booh. John enters at right and addresses Tom while 
coming down. 

John. Hello, there, Tom, nose in a book as usual. What 
are you reading about now? 

Tom. About Christmas. 

John. About Christmas! You don’t mean to say that 
you ’ve run across something new about Christmas?* 
[Sits.] 

Tom. Well, I have found something that was new to me, 
although it may not be new to you. [Closes booh.] 

John. If it is new to a confirmed bookworm like your¬ 
self, it must surely be so to me, so let’s hear it. 

Tom. Well, it is that Christmas is the only universal 
holiday in the world. Because even to the land of the 
lotus and the palm the story of the Gospel has been 
carried and so, there, as well as in what are known 
as Christian countries, the inspiring Christmas carols 
are sung. 

John. Well, I must say I never heard of that before. 


72 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


So you see it is a new thought to me. Now let me 
ask you something. I have heard that we do not keep 
the real birthday of Christ. Tell me, what is the real 
date? 

Tom. That is something which no one knows. One rea¬ 
son is that in the old days it was the custom to keep 
the date of a person’s death instead of his birth. 

John. Oh, I see. They didn’t care to fuss over the 
birth of babies, but waited until they did something 
of importance and then made a fuss over them when 
they stopped doing it. Well, that wasn’t a bad cus¬ 
tom. But why was December twenty-fifth fixed on? 

Tom. Simply because the heathens all worshipped the 
sun god and had made the twenty-first of December, 
which is the day of the god’s renewal of his strength 
and glory, the great feast-day of the year. 

John. Oh, yes, that is our shortest day of the year, our 
winter solstice, and after that day the sun renews his 
strength and power. 

Tom. So when the heathen were converted to Christianity 
they had to be given some other day to celebrate. 

John. Oh yes, I see. And so they gave them a day as 
near as possible to the sun god’s birthday. Pretty 
clever, weren’t they? 

Tom. Yes indeed! That was done about four hundred 
years after Christ, and the Christian church adopted 
that day, although I have read somewhere that almost 
every month in the year had been used as the birth 
month of Christ, until December twenty-fifth was at 
last settled upon. 

John. And then, I can understand that all sorts of heathen 
customs just naturally fastened themselves upon the 
Christmas celebrations, and have been handed down 
to our day. 

Tom. Yes. If we could trace our customs far enough 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


73 


back we would be surprised at their origin in many 
cases, 

John. I have been wondering if the custom of the Christ¬ 
mas tree would go out? Because the tree, you know, 
is supposed to have originated centuries later. 

Tom. Well, they needn’t despise the Christmas tree for 
that. It is a fact, however, the Christmas tree was 
not introduced until the middle of the seventeenth 
century, while the custom of using evergreens for 
church and home decorating is as old as the festival 
itself. 

John. Well, it seems to me a queer custom to cover a 
tree with presents at Christmas time. I like it all 
right, but I never could quite see the reason for it. 

Tom. It seems to have come from the early belief that 
on Christmas eve all the trees bore blossoms or fruit, 
according to their kind. 

John. Well, the Christmas trees certainty bear fruit for 
the children. 

Tom. Yes, and it is the kind which never becomes dry 
or stale in the eyes of the children. 

John. Good luck for that. 

Tom [rising]. So it is. Is there to be a tree at your 
house this year? 

John. Oh, of course, there are all the kiddies, you know, 
and besides I’m not too big to have a tree yet. 

Tom. No, nor I, and I don’t mean ever to be. 

John. Neither do I. 


curtain 




74 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY 
Clara J. Denton 

DIALOGUE FOR TWO GIRLS 
CHARACTERS 

Mary, aged fourteen; Ella, eight, or younger, if possible. 

SCENE: Plain stage, small table and two chairs at front center. 

COSTUMES: Ordinary house suits. 

Ella is discovered seated at a table writing laboriously 
with pen and ink. 

Mary [entering right and speaking while coming down\. 
Why, Ella, what are you doing? You know you are 
not allowed to use the ink. 

Ella [without looking up]. I am writing a letter and 
I have to use ink. 

Mary [sitting in' vacant chair]. It must be very imp or-* 
tant, since you cannot use a pencil. 

Ella. It is. I am writing to Santa Claus. 

Mary. Writing to Santa Claus? What for? 

Ella. What for? Why, for lots of things. I ’ll ask for 
every last thing I want. 

Mary. You are very foolish. You ’ll not get them. 

Ella [stops writing]. How can you be so sure? 

Mary. I tried it myself once. I asked for ten presents. 

Ella. Did you get them? 

Mary. No, I only had three presents altogether and not 
one of them was the thing I had asked for. 

Ella. Well, I am going to try him once, any way. 

Mary. What nonsense! You know he’s only an old make- 
believe anyway, and after the letter is written you 
don’t know where to send it. 

Ella. Why Mary, how can you talk that way? I saw 
him myself to-day down at the big department store. 
He looked exactly like his picture. I went up close 
to him and took hold of his hand. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


75 


Mary. Did you say anything to him? 

Ella. Yes indeed! I said, “I like you, Santa Claus, and 
I’m going to write a letter to you.” And he said, 
* 4 That’s right, sissy, and be sure to put your name 
and address in it. ’ ’ And that’s just what I mean 
to do. [Resumes writing.] 

Mary. Well, go ahead, waste your postage stamp, if you 
want to. 

Ella. You don’t have to have any postage stamp. There’s 
a great big iron box just inside the door marked 
‘‘Santa Claus,” and all the little folks’ letters go into 
that. My, this is fun! Wish Christmas came every 
day. 

Mary. You do? 

Ella. Of course! Everybody wishes that, don’t you? 

Mary. Well, you can have it come every day, if you 
want to. 

Ella [stops writing ]. What, Sar^ta Claus and all? 

Mary. No, I don’t suppose we can have him around 
every day. I think we’d get tired of him if we could. 

Ella. Then how could it be Christmas? 

Mary. Oh Ella, how foolishly you talk! Is that all there 
is to Christmas, just Santa Claus? 

Ella. W-e-1-1, I suppose not. 

Mary. You seem to think Christmas was made for Santa 
Claus, or that he made Christmas. 

Ella. Of course I know better. I know all about the 
dear baby Jesus and the angels singing and all that, 
but some way Santa Claus is right here and he’s 
what everybody’s talking about and so that’s what 
we all think of. 

Mary. Well, if you really want Christmas every day, 
forget about him entirely. 

Ella. Oh yes, you did say something about Christmas 
every day. Tell me about it, do! 


76 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Mary. Well, think over last Christmas. What did* you 
enjoy more than anything else? 

Ella. Santa Claus, of course! His coming at night and 
filling up my stocking. 

Mary. Think again. Was that really the best time of 
all? 

Ella [sits a moment lost in thought ]. Why no, I don’t 
believe it was. I think the most fun was going around 
with you on Christmas eve and taking presents to 
our friends. 

Mary. I thought so. So you see how you can have a 
Christmas every day. 

Ella. Why, we can’t take presents to people every day. 

Mary. No, but we can do things for them every day. 

Ella. Oh, I see. Take the Boy Scouts’ motto, “Do a 
kindness every day.” 

Mary. Exactly. Don’t you think that would be having 
Christmas every day, even without old Santa? 

Ella. Yes, I suppose it would. [Rising.] Say, I don’t 
believe I ’ll write to old Santa after all. Instead I ’ll 
go hunt up all the stuff I have that I can make into 
Christmas presents. 

Mary [rising] . Good! And I will help you. Come on! 
[They put their arms around each other and, as they 
move toward right, repeat the following couplet] : 

We will have Christmas every day, 

By scattering kindness on our- way. 

[Exeunt.] 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


77 


THE STRIKE IN SANTA CLAUS LAND 

FOR FIVE BOYS AND SIX GIRLS 


CHARACTERS 

Mr. Santa Claus Dr. Curem Quickly 

Mrs. Santa Claus Fairy Youngheart 

Little Girl 

Jack Frost 

Brownie Good-Cheer 

Brownie Help-a-long I Santa Claus’s 

Fairy Kind-Thoughts [ Helpers 

Fairy Good-Will 

Spirit-of-Christmas-Joy 

COSTUMES 

Santa Claus: Regulation fur-trimmed suit. 

Mrs. Santa Claus: House dress, apron and cap. 

Dr. Curem Quickly: Tall hat; carries cane and medicine bag. 

Jack Frost: White cap and sweater , high boots; carries basket 
of snowballs. 

Fairies: White, with tinsel decorations. 

Brownies: Sweaters and stocking caps. (Brownies and Fairies 
may ivear badge with letters S. C. H. in gilt.) 

Part I 

Scene: A room in Santa Claus’s home decorated for 
Christmas festivities. Near the front and a little to 
one side is a rather long, low table. Two or three 
chairs. Santa Claus is discovered sitting alone. He 
holds a letter which he has just been reading. 

Enter Mrs. Santa Claus. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Why, Santa, whatever does this mean ? 
Every one in the place as busy as can be, and here 
you sit doing nothing, with Christmas only one week 
off. How do you suppose the children can have a 
merry Christmas if you sit idle? 

Santa Claus. I don’t know and I don’t care. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Don’t care? Why, Santa, whatever 
is the matter? Are vou sick? 



78 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Mr. Santa Claus. No, but I’m getting tired of this ever¬ 
lasting Christmas business. I declare it’s worse every 
year. The children are too selfish for anything! They 
aren’t as easily satisfied as they used to be. Here I 
have a letter from a youngster demanding, notice that, „ 
demanding, a kodak, a bicycle, and a motor boat, 
and all I ever gave his dad when he was small was 
a pair of mittens and some barber-pole candy. I tell 
you, times aren’t what they used to be. Children are 
getting worse every year. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh no! 

Santa Claus. But I say oh yes. And what’s more, they 
don’t believe in us any more. I don’t know what the 
world’s coming to. The chimneys are all too small 
and the stockings are all too big. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Maybe it isn’t because the chimneys 
are so small but because you are getting so fat. 

Santa Claus [angrily]. Not a bit of it! How can you 
say such a thing? Listen to this. Last Christmas I 
had a very special request to visit a sick boy. When 
I got there with my pack what do you suppose I 
found? Not one single fireplace! The whole house 
was heated by steam. What have you to say to that? 
If you think I’m going crawling through a steam 
pipe like a wriggling old serpent you ’re greatly mis¬ 
taken, madam! So there! 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh Santa, I just know you ’re sick! 
You never acted like this before. I’m afraid you ’re 
going to have measles or something. I’m going to 
call up the doctor this very minute. [Goes to tele¬ 
phone and rings.] Central, I want Dr. Curem 
Quickly. His number is North Pole 1 2 3— Hello! 
Is this the doctor?—Who?—Jack Horner? Oh, dear! 
It’s the wrong number—Hello! Hello !—Who is this? 
Oh doctor, this is Mrs. Santa Claus. Mr. Santa Claus 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


79 


is very sick and I don’t know what to do. Can you 
come—Yes, right away.—I’m so glad. Good-by. 
[Hangs up the receiver.] Now you just keep quiet 
until the doctor comes. He will soon fix you. [Busies 
herself about the room while Santa gloomily watches 
her.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Now I must take his mind off his 
troubles. [To Santa.] Oh, you should just see the 
splendid toys your Helpers are making. Brownie 
Good-Cheer has painted some of the most gorgeous 
trumpets and Help-a-long has made dozens of ele¬ 
phants. 

[No response except a grunt from Santa. A loud 
knocking is heard.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Here’s the doctor. 

Enter Dr. Curem Quickly. 

Doctor. Well, well, well! What’s the matter here? 
[Seats himself near Santa.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh, Doctor, Santa acts so queer! I’m 
dreadfully worried! He says he’s tired of Christmas 
and talks about snakes and things.- Do make him 
well. 

Doctor [feeling pulse]. Stick out your tongue! Hum! 
[Thumps Santa’s chest.] You certainly are a very 
sick man, but I can cure you. [Pours out medicine.] 
Here, drink this. 

Santa Claus. Ugh! It’s nasty! 

Doctor. Of course, it’s nasty. Did you think it would 
be nice ? Take a glassful of this every half hour. And 
above all, you must have a complete rest. Don’t let 
him do a single thing for at least two weeks. 

[Rises to go.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus. But, Doctor, there’s all the Christmas 
work to be done. 


80 BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 

Doctor. Can’t help it. Doctor’s orders must be obeyed. 
Now, remember. A glassful every half hour and a 
complete rest. Good-by. [Exit Doctor. Santa and 
Mrs. Santa gaze at each other in despair.] 

Both. What shall we do? 

Enter the six Santa Claus Helpers carrying trum¬ 
pets, stuffed animals, dolls, beads, books, games . 
etc. 

Santa Claus [angrily] . Here! What does this mean? 
Why are n ’t you all at work ? 

Santa Claus’s Helpers [in unison]. We don’t intend to 
do any more work. 

Santa. Don’t—intend—to—do—any—more—work! How 
dare you talk so to me? Co right back to the shop 
this very minute! 

Brownie Good-Cheer. You ’d better tell him all about it, 
Jack Frost. 

Jack Frost. You see, sir, it’s this way. All we Santa 
Claus Helpers have declared a strike. That means we 
won’t work any more. 

Santa Claus. How ridiculous! In all my days I never 
heard of such a thing. What’s the matter? I never 
heard you complain about the work before. 

Jack Frost. It isn’t the work, it’s the children. 

Santa Claus. What’s the matter with the children ? 

Jack Frost. Well, you see, sir, they are not what they 
used to be. They are getting so selfish— 

Mrs. Santa Claus [accusingly]. Your very own words. 
Santa. 

Brownie Good-Cheer. They break their toys— 

Fairy Good-Will. And they don’t believe in us any more, 

Mrs. Santa Claus. You said it yourself, Santa. 

Jack Frost. So we’ve talked things over and have decided 
not to make them any toys this Christmas. Off witli 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


81 


your badges, boys, we are Santa Claus’s Helpers no 
longer. [ All remove badges and place them, with 
toys and Jack’s snowballs, on table. They go out.] 

Santa. This is a great howdy-do! Where’s my stick ? 
[Mrs. Santa Claus gives it to him,] I guess I am a 
pretty sick man. [Hobbles out. Mrs. Santa Claus 
sits down and begins to cry.] 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh! Oh! Oh! Did any one ever hear 
of such trouble? 

Enter Fairy Youngheart. 

Youngheart. Why, whatever is the matter? 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh, Youngheart, how glad I am to 
see you? The matter? Haven’t you heard? Santa’s 
very sick and the doctor says he mustn’t work. 

Youngheart. That is too bad. 

Mrs. Santa Claus [still sobbing ]. That isn’t the worst. 
All his Helpers have declared a strike and won’t do a 
single thing. 

Youngheart. Why? 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh, they say that children are so 
selfish and don’t believe in us any more. I don’t think 
it’s true, and I’m so sorry for those poor, dear little 
children. 

Youngheart. Do you think that if we proved that children 
are not selfish and that they do believe in us that it 
would be all right? 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh, yes, but how could we ? 

Youngheart. I ’ll tell you. Cheer up. Come with me 
and I ’ll tell you my plans. [They go out.] 

Part II 

Scene: The same. Enter Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus fol¬ 
lowed by the six Helpers. They group themselves on 
the stage, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at center back, 


82 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


the Fairies on their right, Jack Frost and Brownies 
near table on their left. 

Mr. Santa Claus. We have been asked to assemble here 
by Fairy Youngheart. Here she comes now. 

Enter Fairy Youngheart leading Little Girl. 

Youngheart. Here is a little girl come from the mortals 
to visit you. 

Brownie Help-a-long. How did she get here? 

Youngheart. I brought her. You know only Youngheart 
may bring mortals to Fairyland. 

Little Girl [gazing about her in delight}. Oh, what a 
beautiful place! Are all these toys for Christmas? 

Youngheart. You may choose for your very own anything 
you like. 

Little Girl. Oh, may I really? What shall I take? 

Youngheart. Here is a lovely doll. 

Little Girl. Isn’t she beautiful! If you don’t mind I 
wish you’d give her to little lame Mary. She has 
nothing but a rag doll. 

Youngheart. How about this game? 

Little Girl. The newsboy on our block wants a game. 
Will you give it to him? 

Youngheart. See these beads? 

Little Girl. How they sparkle! How Molly would like 
those. You know her mother is dead, so Molly never 
has anything pretty. 

Youngheart. But aren’t you going to take anything for 
yourself ? 

Little Girl. Why, yes! If I may I ’ll take this book. Then 
I can read the stories to the little blind girl who lives 
next door to us. She can’t go to school, you know, 
and never has any fun. Oh, how nice Christmas will 
be this year! I can hardly wait. The children are 
just counting the days till Santa comes! 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


83 


Santa Claus [eagerly]. Do they still believe in me? 

Little Girl. Why, of course they do! We all do. 

Jack Frost [hitting her with snowball]. Do they believe 
in me? 

Little Girl [throunng back ball]. Ouch! Of course we 
do! We shiver every time we think of you. 

Fairy Kind-Thoughts. I am Kind-Thoughts. Do they 
believe in me? 

Little Girl. Indeed they do! 

Brownie Help-a-long. I am Help-a-long. Do they believe 
in me? 

Little Girl. Why, we couldn’t get along without you. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Do they believe in me? [Little Girl 
hesitates.] I used to be Mother Goose, you know. 

Little Girl [hugging her]. Oh, you dear old Mother 
Goose! I thought your face was familiar. Every child 
on earth loves you! 

Spirit-of-Christmas-Joy. I am the Spirit-of-Christmas- 
Joy. Do mortals still believe in me? 

LiTTLk Girl. Christmas-Joy, you are the realest of them 
all. Now I must go, for I’m afraid I’m hindering 
you in your work. [Helpers exchange glances.] 
Thank you so much for my book. Good-by till Christ¬ 
mas. 

Santa Claus. Little Girl, have you a real wide chimney 
at your house? 

Little Girl. No, but I ’ll leave the window open. Good-by. 

All. Good-by. Good-by. [They wave their hands as she 
goes.] 

Good-Cheer. Did you hear? They do believe in us! 

Kind-Thoughts. They are not selfish. She scarcely thought 
of herself. 

Jack Frost. Get to work, every one of you! Put on your 
badges and hustle. We ’ll have the best Christmas we 
ever had. [The Helpers begin busily working with 


84 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


the unfinished toys on the table, while they sing the fol¬ 
lowing words to the tune of “Marching Through 
Georgia. 99 ] 

Hurrah! Hurrah! We’ll sing a merry rhyme, 

Hurrah! Hurrah! A happy Christmas chime, 

Sing it as we used to sing it in the olden time, 

While we get ready for Christmas! 

[Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus clap hands in delight.'] 
Brownie Good-Cheer. I can’t find the trunk for this ele¬ 
phant. Oh, you’ve used it for a tail on your dog! 
Brownie Help-a-long. Sorry, but it’s too late now. He’s 
not the first fellow lost his trunk. 

Mrs. Santa Claus. Oh, Santa ! It ’s time for your medi¬ 
cine. [Brings it but Santa Claus refuses it.] 

Santa Claus. Medicine! Who wants medicine? Not I! 
Work away, my Helpers. I never felt better in my 
life! 

Normal Instructor and Primary Plans. 


FANCY DRILLS AND MARCHES 


THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING DRILL 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR TWELVE SMALL BOYS 

The stockings should be about ten inches long, made in imi¬ 
tation of those hung on Christmas trees. They should be made 
of netting, tarlaton, or other thin substance, varied in color. A 
draw-string should be made of strong tape and fastened in se¬ 
curely, because the stockings are to be held by these strings. 
The bags are to be filled with popcorn. The marking time lasts 
through six beats, also the changes. Waltz music is played. 
Boys march in, single file, carrying the stockings in right hand 
and swinging them lightly in time to music. 

1 All bow from w*aist line and mark time. 

2 Present stockings, that is, grasp stocking aronnd the 

middle, and extend arm to limit; mark time. 

3 Repeat w T ith left hand. 

4 Lay stocking on left shoulder; mark time. 

5 Stand stocking upright on left shoulder; mark time. 

6 Extend left hand and stand stocking in palm, holding 

it upright with right hand; mark time. 

7 Repeat this movement with right hand; mark time. 

8 Lay stocking across breast; mark time. 

9 Hide stocking behind back; mark time. 

10 Repeat with left hand. 

11 Odd numbers stoop down, sit on heels; even numbers 

mark time. 

12 Repeat with even numbers stooping and odd numbers 

marking time; make these changes quickly. 

13 Repeat with odd numbers. 

14 All erect, marking time. 

85 


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BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


15 Odd numbers march back of line to head, then down 

in front while others mark time. 

16 Odd numbers to places, even numbers march back of 

line, etc., while others mark time. 

17 All swing stockings; mark time. 

18 Grasp stockings with both hands, sway body in time 

to music. 

19 Stockings in left hand; begin to eat popcorn. 

20 Right about, sides to audience; continue eating. 

21 Al] march out, eating. 


CHRISTMAS BELL DRILL 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR SIX GIRLS AND SIX BOYS OR ANY EVEN NUMBER OF EACH 

The children wear ordinary suits, unless it is preferred to 
gown the girls in white. They are discovered standing in line, 
boys and girls in alternation, each holding a red paper Christ¬ 
mas bell, these being of uniform size. When the children are 
marching, they should carry the hells in the right hands and 
wave them in time to the music. When the directions are to 
mark time, it is understood they continue it through six beats. 
Waltz music is played. 

1 All bow, mark time. 

2 Swing bells back and forth and mark time. 

3 Change to left hand and repeat. 

4 Change to right hand, bring hand to front and swing 

bell from left to right, mark time. 

5 Repeat with left hand. 

6 Hold bell on head, mark time. 

7 Bell on left shoulder and repeat. 

8 Change bell to right hand and hold on right shoulder. 

9 Right about, backs to audience, mark time. 

10 Bring hands to back and repeat 4 and 5. 

11 Right about face; boys march backward to rear of 

stage, girls mark time. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


87 


12 Boys march forward and girls march backward to 

center, meet and mark time. 

13 Boys march to front, girls to rear, all mark time. 

14 Boys march backward to rear and girls forward to 

front; instead of pausing at center they go straight 
through the gaps in the line. All mark time. 

15 Boys march forward and take their places in the line. 

16 Form into couples and march twice around the stage. 

17 Return to line again and mark time. 

18 ^ Right about, sides to audience; mark time. 

19 Half of line, those on right, turn about so that they 

march in opposite direction from other half; all 
mark time. 

20 Half of line marches to rear at right of stage, other 

half at left of stage. Then meet at rear center, then 
march in two columns to front. Spread out in line. 
Mark time. 

21 Hold right hand high and wave bells. Mark time. 

22 Repeat with left hand. Mark time. 

23 Hold both hands high, waving bell back and forth. 

24 Right about, sides to audience, mark time. 

25 Holding bell in right hand, place on shoulder of child 

in front, march around stage and back to front. 

26 Change bell to left hand and repeat. 

27 Right about, facing audience, mark time. 

28 Girls fall on one knee, holding bells high, waving bells. 

29 Right about, sides to audience, holding bells high and 

waving them, march out. 

SANTA CLAUS DRILL 
C. Bertha Holt 

FOR ANY NUMBER OF BOYS 

This drill will be found very effective and entertaining. Any 
number of boys may be used, depending upon the size of the 


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stage. Twelve or fourteen are a good number. They are dressed 
in the regular Santa Claus costume, made of red paper cambric, 
trimmed with white roll cotton. Each Santa has a gunny-sack 
stuffed with paper on his back as he enters. 

The Santa Clauses enter the stage in single file to any good 
march (bent over, as though by weight of sack) and form two 
rows, alternating in position so that all may be seen by the 
audience. When all are in position, begin the drill. 

1 Eight counts. Throw bags on floor. 

2 Eight counts. Sit down, leaning head on arm sup¬ 

ported on knee; return to standing position. 

3 Eight counts. Salute. Touch cap and extend arm 

horizontally even with shoulder and return to posi¬ 
tion. 

4 Eight counts. Right foot slightly forward, bend body 

forward right, shade eyes with hand as if looking 
intently. Return. 

5 Eight counts. Left foot slightly forward, bend body 

forward left, place hand behind ear as if listening. 
Return. 

6 Eight counts. Kneel and open bags. 

7 Eight counts. Fill stocking. Paniomime. 

8 Eight counts. Rise, holding up an imaginary stock¬ 

ing. 

9 Repeat No. 6. 

10 Repeat No. 7. 

11 Repeat No. 8. 

12 Draw imaginary list of names from pocket and con¬ 

sult. Return. 

13 Hands on hips, bend body backward, laugh. Return. 

14 Hands on knees, look towards fireplace, shake head 

slowly. Return. 

15 Lay finger aside of nose and look quizzically at each 
other. 

16 Pick bags up and stack in two piles near center of 

stage. Return. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


89 


17 Join hands and chase twice across the stage from left 

to right. Return. 

18 Join hands, making a circle about each pile of bags. 

Dance twice around to the right, then twice to the 
left. Return. 

19 Join hands, bend forward very low and back to the 

back of the stage and forward. 

20 Place bags on shoulders and stand in position. 

21 March off. waving to audience. 


THE CHRISTMAS FLOWER DRILL 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR TWELVE GIRLS 

As the poinsettia is the great Christmas flower, give the 
drill, if possible, with this flower. Artificial ones will serve 
the purpose. Each girl carries a flower, which should be as 
large as possible. The girls should wear white frocks, white 
shoes and hose. When the direction “mark time” is given, the 
movement is carried through six beats. Waltz music is plaj ed 
throughout. 

The girls are discovered drawn up in line across the 
front of the stage. 

I to 9 Raise flower to forehead and mark time; in suc¬ 

cession repeat this to right eye, left eye, nose, lips, 
under chin, at right ear, at left ear and lay it across 
breast, marking time through all of these movements. 
10 Hold right hand high and wave flower; mark time. 

II Repeat with left hand. 

12 Girls move away from each other so as to leave a 

small gap in the line between each couple. 

13 Head girl-marches in and out of gaps, while all mark 

time, finally taking her place at foot of line. 


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14 Girl at foot repeats movement of the other girl, al¬ 

though in a different direction, taking the place of 
the head girl. 

15 Second girl at head repeats this business and so .on 

until all have exchanged places, others marking 
time meanwhile. 

16 Odd numbers right about, backs to audience. All 

march in this way to rear, odd numbers forward, 
even numbers backward. 

17 Mark time, then march to front, odd numbers going 

backward, even numbers forward. 

18 Two end girls march forward, take positions at center 

of stage, join hands, hold high, mark time. 

19 Line starts from second head girl, marches under the 

raised hands, coming out at the other side. March 
around the two center girls, one girl joining them 
in passing on alternate sides until there are five on 
each side. 

20 All right about, face audience, march backward to 

rear, divide in middle, one-half going to right of 
stage and one-half to left. Right about, face 
audience; mark time. 

21 Two center girls* step back three paces. 

22 Next two step back four paces, next two five, and so 

on, until they are arranged in long slanting lines; 
all mark time. 

23 Two girls at farther ends march down through slant¬ 

ing lines and take their places at either end. Others 
follow in order until line is again complete; all 
mark time. 

24 Right about, back to audience; mark time. 

25 Hold flower on right shoulder, march to rear; mark 
time. 

Hold flower on left shoulder and march' forward; mark 
time. 


26 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


91 


27 Divide line, half going up right side and half left, 

meet at rear center. Mark time. 

28 Placing flower between two hands, twirl it about while 

forward marching to front. Mark time. 

29 All march backward to middle of stage; mark time. 

30 Two center girls march backward to rear; all mark 

time. 

31 Two girls next to head and next to foot, march for¬ 

ward, come together, and mark time. 

32 Six girls in center come together; all mark time. 

33 Girls at rear come forward, join others; mark time. 

34 All come to front; mark time. 

35 All march out in single file, waving flowers high. 


THE CHRISTMAS STAR 
Marie Hoge 

FOR FIVE OR TEN GIRLS 

A five-pointed star is drawn upon the stage for the children 
to march by. If the star can be made sufficiently large, ten 
girls may take part. The five girls are costumed in full dresses 
of white cheesecloth, trimmed with gold paper stars. If used 
in a patriotic program the dresses could be of colored bunting. 


Girls enter from the right side, tripping gayly to a quick 
march around the star once. 

Each stops on a point, turns around and trips in reverse 
order about the star twice, halting at her own place. 

Each steps to next inner corner on the right and marches 
about the pentagon thus formed, halts, turns and marches 
around twice to left. 

All march about once to the right, holding hands to a 
common center (or pointed toward the center if they cannot 
reach it). 


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Halt each on a point, so the smaller girls are to the front 
to take up drill: 

1 Left foot forward, left arm curved gracefully upward, 

right arm at side. 

2 Position. 

3 Reverse 1, right foot forward, etc. 

4 Head tilted to left, arms arched over it. 

5 Same, head to right. 

6 Bow head, hands on hips. 

7 Throw head backwards, look through fists held one in 

front of other as a telescope. 

8 Bend body to left, left arm curved upward. 

9 Position. 

10 Same as 8 but to the right. 

11 Arms out straight from body at sides. 

1*2 Twist trunk to right. 

13 Return to front, keeping arms up. 

14 Twist to left. 

15 Position. 

16 Sway arms up and down, standing on tiptoes. 

17 Hop one step to right. Repeat twice. 

18 Hop three steps to left, returning to place. 

19 Arms held out straight at sides from shoulders. 

20 Whirl on left foot. 

21 Run, standing still, with hands touching in front of 

waist. 

22 Halt, throwing arms outward, holding position, stand¬ 

ing on but one foot. * 

23 Hands on hips, take a long step to the left as though 

falling. 

24 Position. 

25 Fall to the right. 

March around twice, stopping so that two singers are at 
the front. They sing any appropriate song about stars. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


93 


others pantomiming it, or helping to sing the chorus, as 
desired. 

March around until each has her original position. 

Act the following words which one of them or an older 
pupil names: 

Anger. Frown, lean forward, fist clenched, left hand 
clutching skirt, right raised. 

Rebuke. Head down, but look at imaginary person, 
pointing directly with right forefinger and biting lips. 

Fear . Hands clinched on breast, draw back. 

Exhaustion . Drop on left foot, left arm at waist, head 
to left, eyes closed. 

Surprise. Trunk bent slightly back, hands raised, mouth 
open, eyes fixed. 

Welcome. Right hand out as to shake hands, head up, 
smiling, right foot forward. 

Secrets. One whispers to fhe next, she to the third, etc., 
pointing finger. 

Supplication. Arms held forward and up, head and 
eyes up. 

Gladness. Hands clasped at breast, elbows high, head 
a little to one side, smiling. 

Peace. Arms raised as in benediction. 

Joy. Step forward, right arm slightly raised, eyes up, 
smile. 

Mischief. Trunk bent forward, look over right shoulder, 
both hands on chin, laughing. 

Mirth. Arms on hips, head back, laugh aloud heartily. 

Thank you. Curtsy to left and right, smiling and throw¬ 
ing kisses. 

March about star once, halting when one girl is on the 
point nearest front. While the music is played very softly, 
she recites a short poem about stars. 


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March around again, stopping so another may give a 
short recitation. 

Facing center, hold hands to form a five-pointed star. 

[Note: Omit if the star is so large that girls cannot 
reach across it.] 

March about once with tiny steps. Halt. 

With right hand pointing to center of star, step inward, 
and raise self on toes. 

Position. 

With left hand pointing outward, step outward on toes. 

Run around once. On reaching own place clap, turn 
about, run around again. 

Run to back of stage, and form a line. 

Bow low and run off. 


CHRISTMAS WREATH DRILL 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR ANY NUMBER OF GIRLS 

This drill should he given with wreaths of soft evergreen, 
so that the children’s hands will not be hurt in grasping them. 
Or they might be made of artificial flowers, using those of 
character suitable for Christmas, such as white chrysanthe¬ 
mums or similar flowers. The wreaths should be made large 
enough to slip easily over the head. Please notice that when 
the directions say “mark time,” it is understood that this 
movement continues through six heats; each change also lasts 
the same length of time. 

The girls wear white, with white shoes and hose. They 
march in single file, taking their places about four feet from 
the edge of the stage. Waltz music is played throughout the 
drill. 

1 Hold wreaths over faces, close up. 

2 All bow from the waist. 

3 J31ip wreaths over heads, mark time. 

4 Remove wreaths from neck with right hand and swing 

low. Mark time. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


95 


5 Swing high, mark time. 

6 Whirl wreath in right hand, mark time. 

7 Two girls take hold of each wreath with right and left 

hand, swing high, girl at end swings wreath in right 
hand only. 

8 Each girl holding wreath in right and left hand, ex¬ 

tends horizontally at neck line; mark time. 

9 Same at breast line; mark time. 

10 Same at waist line; mark time. 

11 Right about, back to audience. 

12 Two center girls march up center of stage, followed at 

once by others in regular order. 

13 Spread out in line at rear, backs to audience, mark 

time. 

14 Place wreath on head, holding it there by right hand; 

mark time. 

15 Right about, facing audience, mark time. 

16 Right about, sides to audience, mark time. 

17 Half of line march down right side to front and half 

down left side, meet at front center. Right about, 
facing audience. 

18 Take wreath from head and hold across breast, mark 

time. 

19 Take three steps forward, mark time, swing wreath 

in right hand. 

20 Take three steps backward and repeat. 

21 Take two steps forward, and repeat. 

22 Three steps backward and repeat. 

23 Take two steps forward and repeat. 

24 Take five steps backward and repeat. 

25 Girl at left end goes behind line, and girl at right 

end goes in front of line, marching down front and 
back lines in alternation, others mark time. 

26 End girls exchange places; all mark time. 

27 Second girl at each end repeats this business. 


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28 Third girl repeats business; all mark time through 

twelve beats. 

29 Drop wreaths on floor; mark time. 

30 Recover wreath; mark time. 

31 Right about sides to audience, holding wreath high 

in right hand; march out. 


MOTION SONGS AND ACROSTICS 


MINCE PIES FOR CHRISTMAS 
Clara J. Denton 

MOTION RECITATION OR SONG, FOR SEVEN GIRLS 

Girls should give the recitation standing behind a long 
table. They wear gingham aprons and white muslin caps. If 
the following verses should be sung, use the air, “Little Drops 
of Water.” 

Sing a song of Christmas! 

Seven happy cooks! 

Mince pies we will make you, 

Taken from our books. 

x First we stir and stir it, 

2 Then we mix it too. 

Till it’s nice and flaky. 

Watch the way we do. 

3 Now so very careful, 

See us roll it thin, 

4 Put it on the pie-plate, 

5 Pour the mince meat in. 

6 Then we smooth it this way, 

7 And we pinch it so, 

8 Shove it in the oven 
While the fire’s aglow. 

Fun to do the cooking 
For this Christmas time; 

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98 BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 

Fun to tell you ’bout it 
In this jingling rhyme. 

So, mince pies we’ve made you 
For your Christmas feast. 

You will have to bake them, 

You ’ll do that at least. 

9 But you ’ll have to watch them, 

Or perhaps they ’ll burn, 

10 Turn them this way, that way. 

Guess you soon will learn. 

Now we ’ll have to leave you. 

But we ’ll come next year, 

Cooks so bright and merry, 

Bringing Christmas cheer. 

MOTIONS 

1 Stir with right hand. 

2 Mix with fingers. Continue motion until end of verse. 

3 Rolling pin motion. 

4 Spread over pie-plate. 

5 Pouring. 

6 Smooth with both hands. 

7 Pinch with thumb and forefinger around edge of pie. 

8 Push into oven. 

9 Shake forefinger at audience. 

10 Motion of turning pie. 

A DECEMBER SPELLING LESSON 
Bertha E. Bush 

FOR NINE SMALL CHILDREN 

Each child should carry a large letter cut from or printed 
on a cardboard, keeping it out of view until ready to speak the 
lines it represents. 

The nicest word there is to spell 
Is just the one we mean to tell; 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


99 


The nicest day of all the year 
Is this one we will show yon here. 
[Each in turn holding up letter.] 
C 
H 

R ' 

I 

S 

T 

M 

A 

S 

[All together] 

Christmas! 


A CHRISTMAS LULLABY 

The children are seated in little rocking chairs, each hold¬ 
ing a doll dressed in a long white gown. They rock slowly in 
time to the music. 

1 At first “hush-a-by” they raise forefinger of right hand 
as if to insure silence. 

2 Kiss dolls. 

3 Very softly. 

4 Lay dolls in small cradles, standing near. 

5 At “hush,” raise forefinger of right hand warningly. 

6 Very softly. 

7 Rock cradles slowly in time to the music, children kneel¬ 
ing on the floor. 

8 Turn toward audience. 

9 Very softly. 

The words are adapted to the music of the familiar hymn, 
“Silent Night.” 

(1) Hush-a-by, hush-a-by, 

Christmas stars are in the sky; 

Sweet the bells of Christmas Eve— 

(2) Babies each a kiss receive— 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Hush-a-by, good-night, 

(3) Hush-a-by, good-night! 

Lull-a-by, lull-a-by, 

(4) Babies in their cradles lie; 

- Every one in white is gowned, 

(5) Hush, jnake not a single sound! 

Lull-a-by, good-night, 

(6) Lull-a-by, good-night! 

Rock-a-by, rock-a-by, 

(7) Christmas-tide draweth nigh; 
Quiet now the tiny feet, 

Babies sleep so still and sweet— 

(8) Sweetest dreams, good-night, 

(9) Sweetest dreams, good-night! 


PANTOMIMES AND TABLEAUX 


EVERYBODY’S HAPPY 
Marie Irish 

At center of front of group sits a tiny boy wearing 
sweater and bright cap, perched upon a bright sled, hold¬ 
ing the ropes taut and high as if driving; just back of 
him and to one side, stands a small girl with a large 
dolly, and on the other side stands a girl with a camera 
raised as if taking a picture of the audience; just behind 
the boy on sled sits a young lady smiling as she gazes at 
a ring which she is holding; on either side of her stands 
a boy, one with an airgun pointed at the audience, the 
other with skates, ball, and bat; at center of back, ar¬ 
ranged so as not to be concealed by those in front, stands 
a boy with white paper hair and flowing beard, dressed 
as a grandpa, and a girl dressed as a grandmother. These 
two are each holding some present out for the other’s 
inspection and smiling happily. Sitting on floor at the 
front of group, one on either side of boy on the sled, 
is a boy with face blackened and dressed as negro, hold¬ 
ing a tin horn as if blowing it, and a girl dressed as small 
Indian, holding a toy dog or other animal at which she 
is laughing. Bright light is thrown on ^cene, and these 
lines are read: 

When Christmas comes, as come it does, 

In frosty, cold December, 

There’s a day of merry-making 
Which people long remember. 

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Everybody gets a present, 

Everybody’s jolly, 

From the Yankee to the Indian, 
From grandpa down to Polly, 

The Christmas spirit’s in the air 
And though the weather’s snappy, 
Hearts are warm with Christmas love, 
And everybody’s happy. 


PACKING THE PACK 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR A TALL BOY AND GIRL 

In this pantomime, as in those which follow, everything 
depends upon the individual acting and facial expression. 
No amount of directions can make the pantomimes suc¬ 
cessful without the sympathy, enthusiasm and self-aban¬ 
donment of the actor. 

Characters : Santa Claus and Mrs. Santa Claus. Usual 
costume for Santa Claus, neat home dress for Mrs. Santa 
Claus. 

Scenes Plain interior. Table at front center well 
stacked with toys. 

Santa Claus is discovered standing at right end of 
table, holding his empty pack before him and filling 
it from the accumulation of toys. When he has put 
in a doll and a few other toys, enter Mrs. Santa 
Claus from left. She goes at once to upper, or rear side 
of table, facing audience. After giving Santa Claus 
a silent greeting, she looks into the pack. She scowls 
and shakes her head vigorously, then takes from the pack 
a doll, points to it and expostulates by gestures. Santa 
Claus shows by angry gestures that he disapproves of 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


103 


her meddling. She finally lays the doll down and takes 
up one very different in appearance and puts it into the 
pack. Santa Claus angrily protests, but finally allows it 
to remain; she next takes up another toy, looks at it ap¬ 
provingly, pats it and puts it in the pack. Santa Claus 
immediately takes it out, protesting angrily. Mrs. Santa 
Claus, however, persists, puts the toy back, and Santa 
Claus still protestingly allows it to remain. Santa Claus 
now puts a toy into the pack which Mrs. Santa Claus 
takes .put at once, making many motions as if explaining. 
She throws it to back side of table. She replaces it with 
another, which he throws out, replacing it with one of 
his own selection. These actions continue until they begin 
to pall on the audience. 

At this point Mrs. Santa Claus throws out her hands as 
if disclaiming all responsibility, and Santa Claus fills the 
pack hurriedly without interference. As he exits Mrs. 
Santa Claus again seems to divest herself of all interest 
in the pac£; takes knitting from pocket and begins to 
knit. • H 

CURTAIN 


THE UNEXPECTED VISITOR 
Clara J. Denton 

PANTOMIME AND TABLEAU FOR ONE GIRL, ONE BOY 

Neat but plain interior. An old lady, seated in a large 
chair, wears a plain dark dress; her hair should be heavily 
powdered and simply arranged. Many wrinkles should be 
marked in her face. A large work basket, full of all 
sorts of stockings, is on the floor beside her. 

A ragged stocking is lying across her lap and another 
on her hand. She is busily darning. Every few seconds 
she pauses, looks at the basket on the floor beside her and 


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shakes her head doubtingly. She works away a few mo¬ 
ments, then leans her head back in the chair and closes 
her eyes. Soft music sounds. She sleeps, breathing heav¬ 
ily and regularly. 

After a few moments, Santa Claus in full costume en¬ 
ters from up center. He goes to the old lady, draws the 
stocking from her lap, holds it up, showing the holes; 
shakes his head and throws the stocking into the basket; 
he pulls the other gently from the old lady’s hand, holds 
up and inspects it, finds it whole, takes it and goes to place 
provided near the old lady and in full view of audience, 
hangs it up, then takes from his pack various gifts. A 
handsome box of candy, two pairs of silk stockings, which 
he shows to audience, a pair of kid gloves and as many 
other gifts as convenient; he then smiles at audience and, 
with finger on his lip, goes out on tiptoe. The music 
ceases. The old lady wakes suddenly, looks all around 
for stockings, sees one hanging up and, with many mani¬ 
festations of surprise and pleasure, she carries it to table 
and begins taking out the* gifts. 

CURTAIN 

TOMMIE GOES TO A CHRISTMAS PARTY 
Clara J. Denton 

FOR A BOY AND A GIRL 

Characters; Tommie and his Mother. She must be 
much taller than Tommie. Tommie wears out-door win¬ 
ter garments, and carries in each hand a daintily wrapped 
Christmas package. Mother wears home costume. 

Scene : Interior, small table and chair at front center. 

Tommie enters at right, Mother enters at left. They 
meet at front center. Tommie comes forward as if to 
kiss his Mother, but she suddenly takes him by the shoul- 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


105 


der, turns him around and looks at him critically. She 
then raises her hands as if horror-stricken, takes him by 
the ear and turns him around again with emphatic 
gestures of horror. She examines his neck, removes his 
hat, laying it emphatically on table. She points to his 
overcoat and exits at right. As Tommie lays his overcoat on 
the chair, his Mother returns, carrying wash basin in her 
right hand and a cake of soap in her left. She puts these 
on the table and motions to Tommie to remove his other 
coat, then his collar and necktie. Her next move is to 
wiring out the wash-cloth and rub on it the soap. She 
turns Tommie with his face toward the audience and the 
scrubbing begins, on his face, neck and ears. Tommie’s 
face takes on all sorts of contortions while she is rubbing 
her hands over him; he also executes a war dance. He 
is then ordered to place his hands in the wash basin and 
give them a vigorous scrubbing. The Mother finally looks 
him over critically and nods approval. He resumes his 
apparel and, still scowling, grabs the packages and runs 
out at left. Mother looks at audience with a smile and a 
nod of satisfaction and exits at right. 

THE WATCH 

PANTOMIME FOR SIX BOYS 

The boys wear Long, loose costumes made of gray mate¬ 
rial, with turbans of the same material wound about the 
head. The cheapest goods may be used. They carry 
shepherd’s crooks. The stage should be dimly lighted. 

Before the curtain rises a good reader comes to the 
front and reads these two lines: 

“While shepherds watched their flocks by night 
All seated on the ground”— 

As the curtain rises the characters peer out from under 


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their hands around on the stage. The boy on the extreme 
right rises, taking his staff with him; he walks to right 
and into the shadows on the stage, returns and resumes 
his seat; the other boys repeat this business. Suddenly a 
great flashlight is turned on at the right of the stage, 
and the boys fall on their faces. Choir behind scenes 
chants the message, “ Glory to God in the highest and 
on earth peace, good will toward men.” 

The reader gives the following verses: 

“To you, in David’s town this day 
Is born of David’s line 
The Savior, who is Christ the Lord, 

And this shall be the sign: 

The heavenly Babe you there shall find 
To human view displayed, 

All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands 
And in a manger laid. 


Choir sings: 

All glory be to God on high, 

And to the earth be peace, 

Good will henceforth from heaven to men, 
Begin and never cease. 


Old Hymn 


SONGS AND MUSIC 


LONG, LONG AGO 
Clara A. Nash 
Tune: Lead, Kindly Light 

Long, long ago when shepherds watched their sheep, 
By day, by night, 

And Bethlehem lay wrapt in peaceful sleep, 

A Star shone bright. 

How wonderful, how calm with peace its ray, 
Telling the birth of Christ and Christmas Day! 

A message sweet still lights each passing year; 
Though night steal on, 

, We know the way ahead, we have no fear: 

The dark is gone. 

How wonderful that shining, shining ray, 

Forever near, brighter each Christmas Day! 

A CHEERY CHRISTMAS GREETING 
Tune: Smile Whenever You Can* 

You ’ll find some worthy people 
Wherever you may go, 

Whom Santa doesn’t visit— 

Perhaps he doesn’t know— 

But you can make them happy, 

And fill their hearts with cheer, 

If you ’ll be Santa’s helpers— 

Each one a volunteer. 

*Music in Merry Melodies, price 20 cents. 

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We ’re Santa’s busy workers, 

We try to do onr share 
To make this old world brighter, 

And drive away its care, 

The “Merry Christmas” greetings 
Are music to our ears, 

For we are Santa’s helpers,— 

We ’re Santa’s volunteers. 

A cheery Christmas greeting, 

A pleasant word or smile, 

Although they cost no money, 

Are really worth the while; 

They help to make life happy 
When Christmas time is near— 

So won’t you be a helper— 

Each one a volunteer? 

[The second stanza may he repeated.] 

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TIME 
Tune : Hail, Columbia! 

Beautiful this, our Christmas time, 

Beautiful bells with silv’ry chime, 

Beautiful words are these we say, 

Beautiful words are these we say— 

Jesus our King is born to-day, 

Jesus our King is born. 

Beautiful angels came of old, 

Sang to the shepherds near their fold; 
Beautiful story told to them, 

Beautiful story told to them— 

Jesus is born in Bethlehem, 

Is bo-rn in Bethlehem. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


109 


Beautiful songs they sing to-day, 
Sweeter by far than earthly lay; 

Join in the chorus, all who sing, 

Join in the chorus, all who sing— 

Joy to the world, our Lord is King, 
Joy, our Lord is King! 


WHERE THE CHRISTMAS TREES GROW 
Clara J. Denton 

ONE-ACT OPERETTA 

WITH SONGS TO BE SUNG TO FAMILIAR TUNES 
FOR AS MANY BOYS AND GIRLS AS MAY BE DESIRED 

CHARACTERS 

Brownies, as many little boys as convenient. One has a speak¬ 
ing part. 

Mary, a girl as small as can be found to take the part acceptably. 
Bob, a taller boy. 

Fairies, little girls, any number. One has a speaking part. 
School Children, girls andjmys of different sizes to sing. 

COSTUMES 

Brownies, tight fitting suits of brown cambric, made dull side 
out. 

Bob and Mary, ordinary suits. 

Fairies, short white frocks made very full, hair flowing, gauze 
wings, white shoes and hose. 

School Children, ordinary suits. 

If there is a curtain, the Brownies are discovered; if 
not, they run in from as many different points as possible 
and form into careless groups while the best speaker among 
them recites the following lines: 

Christmas is coming, 

We must be ready, 

Christmas is coming, 

Work must be steady. 


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Busy here and busy there, 

Kunning, running everywhere. 

Without the Brownies 
Earth would be dreary, 

Without the Brownies 
Life would be weary. 

This is no time for playing, 

The whole wide world is saying. 

Great day is coming, 

Each has his duty, 

Making things ready 
Decking with beauty. 

Come now, flurry and skurry, 

Come now all in a hurry. 

They break into the following song: 

Tune, Merry Schoolroom, page 39, (i Merry Melodies 

Oh listen! There is coming soon 
Christmas Day, Christmas Day, 

And we sing a merry tune, 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day. 

Welcome to this day we ’re singing, 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day, 

All our choicest wishes bringing, 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day. 

Love and joy to-day are reigning, 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day, 

All good things for us obtaining, 

Christmas Day, Christmas Day. 

[As Mary enters at right, the singers exeunt at left.] 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


111 


Mary [coming down]. 

How I wonder where the Christmas trees grow! 
Mother I’ve asked, but she does n’t know. 

Oh, wouldn’t it be just perfectly grand 

To know the place where the Christmas trees stand? 

Bob is coming, he can tell me, I think. 

He knows everything as quick as a wink. 

[Bob enters right.] 

Oh, Bob, will you tell me please, tell me true— 

Bob. 

Why the sky overhead is bright and blue? 

Mary. 

Oh, you mustn’t make fun of me because— 

Bob. 

If I do you will tell old Santa Claus? 

Mary. 

Now Bob, why do you interrupt me so? 

That’s very impolite, as you ought to know. 

Bob. 

Yes, yes, you are right, so forgive me please. 

What do you want to know? 

Mary. 

’Bout Christmas trees. 

Bob. 

The Christmas trees? Why, that is very queer, 
When you have had one every single year 
Since you were born, and everyone should know— 
Mary. 

But tell me, please, where is the place they grow? 
Bob. 

Oh, what a funny girl! How can I tell? 

I s’pose they grow in woods, in some dark dell 
Where fairies hide down in the fleecy snow. 

Mary. 

Is that the place where Christmas trees all grow? 


112 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Bob. 

Perhaps, though I don’t think the fairies stay 
In snowbanks cold; they like a sunny way. 

Mary. 

Oh well, it’s very plain indeed to me 
You cannot tell about the Christmas tree. 

You make me want to cry, indeed you do, 

Because you will not tell me, tell me true. 

But talk of fairies just to tease and tease, 

When I am asking ’bout the Christmas trees. 

Bob. 

But tell again, what do you want to know? 

Mary. 

Why, only this, where Christmas trees all grow. 

Bob. 

Oh, that is easy; they grow in the wood 
Like other trees. 

Mary. 

That answer is not good. 

When they are in the wood they are plain green, 

I wonder why you can’t see what I mean. * 

They ’re not like trees we see ’most any day, 

But shine so fine; where do they grow that way? 

Bob. 

Why, Mary dear, a question queer you ask, 

To answer it I fear’s a hopeless task. 

Brownies [enter at left , run to center, and recite in con¬ 
cert the following lines]. 

Where the Christmas trees grow, 

If you want to know, 

With the Brownies haste, 

Not a moment waste. 

• Come where branches green are blowing, 

There the Christmas trees are growing. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


113 


We will take you there 
While the skies are fair, 

Where the fairies play 
In a sunny way. 

Come where branches green are blowing, 

Follow, follow where we ’re going. 

[Brownies exeunt at left, repeating the last two lines. 
Mary starts to follow Brownies. Bob catches 
hold of her skirt.] 

Bob. 

Oh, dear sister, do not go! 

Where they ’ll lead you, you don’t know. 

Mary. 

We ’ll go to the Christmas trees. 

Bob. 

Don’t go, Mary; stay here, please! 

[She breaks away and runs out at left. Brownies 
heard laughing and shouting.] 

Bob [returning to center]. 

What a foolish little girl— 

Going off in such a whirl. 

Fairies enter at right, running, form in group and sing. 

Tune, Merry Spring, page 8, in u Merry Melodies.” 

We are fairies, Christmas fairies, 

So happy every day. 

We are fairies, Christmas fairies, 

Now watch us dance away. 

[They dance across stage and back, then form in a 
line and sing again.] 

We are fairies, Christmas fairies, 

Oh, did you ever know 


114 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Such a merry crowd of fairies, 

All standing in a row? 

[They dance across stage and hack again, as before.] 

We are not afraid of Santa, 

Although he has his spells 
When he says he does not love us 
Because we ring his bells. 

Ring his bells before it ’s Christmas. 

But oh, we ’re good to-day, 

Looking out for dear old Santa 
In just the same old way. 

[They dance across and back, as they reach center , 
Bob comes forward, they sing, standing near him.] 

Look, oh look, here is a human! 

What is the matter, boy? 

Face so long, so long and solemn, 

With not a touch of joy. 

Bob. 

My sister with Brownies has run away, 

And so, you must see, I cannot be gay. 

First Fairy. 

She will come back, never fear, 

The time for old Santa is near. 

[Fairies exeunt at right, as School Children run in 
right.] 

School Children [sing]. 

Tune, Glad Morning, page 28, “Merry Melodies.” 

’Tis not of old Santa we sing, 

But tidings more precious we bring, 

We tell of the best day of earth, 

The day of the dear Savior’s birth. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


115 


We ’ll tell all the story to-day, 

A Babe in a low manger lay.' 

Oh, wonderful story to tell 
A tale for the glad Christmas bell. 

This day is the dearest of all. 

Now let the sweet messages fall. 

The angels were singing one morn, 

Because a sweet Baby was born. 

Bob. 

Oh, that is the song I love best to hear 
And not of Santa Claus, old and so queer. 

When sister comes back I will sing your song 
And gladly repeat it the whole day long. 

Mary [running in left]. 

I have found out how the Christmas trees grow 
So big and so tine, with lights all aglow. 

They grow in the woods, just old fashioned green. 
Love makes the change, till they ’re tit for a queen. 
Bob. 

Yes, love makes the change, now see where one stands, 

A plain tree transformed by fond, loving hands. 

[A curtain is drawn aside, displaying Christmas tree.] 

Oh love makes the change, then who could refuse 
Always arid ever this true love to choose? 

Over and over the story repeat, 

Love changes all, is the message so sweet. 

Yes, love changes all, Oh magical power, 

Giving new glory to each passing hour. 

Then let us to-night, all happily sing, 

While hearts full of love to Christmas we bring. 


CURTAIN 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


MERRY, MERRY BELLS 

Tune: Coinin' Thro’ the Rye 

Oh, the sweet bells all are ringing 
At this Christmas time; 

In the steeple they are swinging, 
Hear their merry chime; 

Merry, merry bells of Christmas, 
Ringing out their song, 

Merry, merry bells of Christmas, 
Ringing all day long. 


Oh, the sweet bells all are ringing, 
Hear their chimes again; 

Merry, merry bells of Christmas, 
“Peace, good will to men.” 

All the world is full of gladness, 
Hear our voices ring; 

Merry, merry, merry Christmas, 

All the children sing. 


CHRISTMAS LULLABY 

Tune: Maryland , My Maryland 

Sleep, little children, well to-night, 

Then lullaby; yes, lullaby. 

The stars above are watching bright, 

Then lullaby; yes, lullaby. 

Santa will come with reindeer fleet, 

Now lullaby; yes, lullaby. 

Throughout the night, sleep long, sleep sweet, 
Now lullaby; yes, lullaby. 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


117 


SONGS OF THE CHRISTMAS GREENS 
Tune: Jingle Bells* 

The birds and flowers are gone, 

And we are left alone; 

They’ve left us in their place, 

To guard their summer home. 

Whatever folk may say, 

The woods are not so drear; 

Our colors, red and green, 

Foretell the Christmas cheer. 

Chorus : 

Tra la la, here we are, 

Winter’s great delight, 

Evergreens and holly, too, 

With berries all so bright. 

Tra la la, tra la la, 

Nothing can us harm, 

The frost, the snow, the wintry blast, 
They give us no alarm. 

The summer’s scorching rays 
Fill us with blighting fear; 

We love the wintry days, 

We ’re thankful now they ’re here. 

So come, Jack Frost, and tell 
The joys you ’ll bring once more; 

The bright December days, 

For us you have in store. 

Chorus : 

Rah! rah! rah! Oh, how fine 
The frosty air does seem! 

It never hurts us—not one bit— 


* Music in Golden Book of Favorite Songs, price 15 cents. 



118 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


Our leaves are always green. 
Rah! rah! rah! Oh, how fine 
The frosty air does seem! 

It never hurts us—not one bit— 
Our leaves are always green. 


A CHRISTMAS GOOD-NIGHT 
Achsa B. Canfield 
Tune : Good-Night, Ladies* 

Good-night, children! Good-night, children! Good-night, 
children! 

The Christmas tree is decked. 

Brightly shine its tiny lights, tiny lights, tiny lights, 
Brightly shine its tiny lights ’neath the pop corn snow. 

Good-night, children! Good-night, children! Good-night, 
children! 

The stockings all are hung. 

Gayly hang they in a row, in a row, in a row, 

Gaily hang they in a row from Grandma’s down to Babe’s. 

Good-night, children! Good-night, children! Good-night, 
children! 

Old Santa Claus will come. 

Merrily he ’ll roll along, roll along, roll along, 

Merrily he ’ll roll along, with reindeer, bells, and sleigh. 

Good-night, children! Good-night, children! Good-night, 
children! 

Sweet dreams till Christmas morn. 

Merrily we ’ll laugh and shout, laugh and shout, laugh 
and shout, 

Merrily we ’ll laugh and shout, early on Christmas morn 


* Music in Golden Book of Favorite Songs, price 15 cents. 



FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS 


CHRISTMAS EVERYWHERE 
Edna Keith 

Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night! 

Christmas in lands of the fir tree and pine, 

Christmas in lands of the palm tree and vine, 

Christmas where snow peaks stand solemn and white, 
Christmas where cornfields lie sunny and bright! 

Christmas where children are hopeful and gay, 

Christmas where old men are patient and gray, 

Christmas where peace, like a dove in his flight, 

Broods o’er brave men in the thick of the fight; 
Everywhere, everywhere, Christmas to-night! 

For the Christ Child who comes is the Master of all; 

No palace too great and no cottage too small. 

Phillips Brooks 

December is filled with the spirit of Christmas and our 
children will be interested in hearing how the time is 
observed in other countries. 

France 

In France this is the merriest, gayest season of the year. 
At midnight all go to church. 

In some parts of the country shoes are used to receive 
the gifts from good “Father Christmas.” You remem¬ 
ber how little Piccola put out the shoe and found the 
little bird in it in the morning? 

119 


120 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


The children in other parts hang up their stockings 
and it is from France that we get our custom of hanging 
stockings. 


Belgium and Holland 

In these countries Christmas Day is kept as a holy day. 
Not many presents are given, but there is a great deal of 
feasting. 

In Holland the children leave wooden shoes on the win¬ 
dow sills for the gifts, and St. Nicholas brings the gifts 
on a white pony instead of in a sleigh. 

Germany 

Here the Christmas tree is an essential part of the 
festivities and no home, palace or hovel, is without it. 
For weeks before the market-place, squares, and many 
streets are filled with evergreens. 

The mothers make a great variety of little cakes to 
hang on the trees. 

On Christmas Eve the children gather around the tree 
singing carols, after which the father tells the story of 
the Christ Child. 

The tree stands until after New Year’s. 

This legend of the Christ Child is told over and over. 

A little child lay dreaming and thought the Christ 
Child appeared to him as a great hero. He thought, “I 
cannot be a hero. The Christ Child is not for me.” An¬ 
other time the Christ Child appeared as a great ruler of 
men and he thought, “I cannot be a ruler. The Christ 
Child is not for me.” The Christ Child appeared in turn 
as a warrior, a statesman, a teacher with a similar effect. 

At last the Christ Child assumed the form of a gentle, 
loving, unselfish child. To this the dreamer eagerly re¬ 
sponded: “I can be that. I must be that.” 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


121 


Norway and Sweden 

The season is very much as it is in Germany. Every¬ 
one is expected to be at peace with his neighbor. A pretty 
symbol of the spirit is the Yuletide practice of placing 
every pair of shoes in each household in a row, typifying 
that during the yeay the family will live in peace and 
harmony. 

Norwegians make Christmas for the cattle and the birds. 
An old legend told that at midnight the cattle turn their 
heads to the east and kneel down and adore the Christ 
Child. 

When gathering the grain in the fall each family saves 
a sheaf of wheat, and it is hung out of doors at Christmas 
time for the birds. Would not that be a good thing for 
us in America to do? 

In Norway instead of wishing “Merry Christmas’* the 
first to waken sings a hymn. 

Russia 

Here old Babonca, or Babouscka, corresponds to our 
Santa Claus and is the one to give the presents. The story 
says that when the three wise men, seeing the star, started 
in search of the Christ Child, they stopped at Dame Bab¬ 
onca ’s and asked her the way to Bethlehem. She refused 
to tell them, but after they had gone she was sorry, and, 
filling a basket with toys, said to herself: “I will find 
the men and, together we will search for the Christ Child 
and lay these gifts at his feet.” 

Italy 

In Italy they have a story much like that of Babonca 
in Russia. Mother Goose rides a broomstick to every door 
and leaves gifts for every child. They watch eagerly for 
the good “Befana,” as they call her. 


122 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


A large urn is used instead of a tree. Each child takes 
a turn and reaches in for a gift. If the gift drawn out 
has the name of the child drawing it, he keeps it; hut if 
someone’s else name is on it he puts it back in the urn 
and draws again. 


Switzerland 

On Christmas Eve the children are sent to bed early 
and they get up early to see a tree like ours. Santa Claus 
brings it and the gifts. The candles are lit, the family 
sing a hymn and offer a prayer before the presents are 
removed. 

Spain and Portugal 

Here Santa Claus is not known but Balthazer comes on 
a camel. The children hide their shoes and Balthazer must 
take time to find them. 

The religious festivities here are the most elaborate of 
any countrjL' 

Austria 

People here are thoughtful of the bringer of gifts and 
joy, and place candles in the windows that the Christ 
Child in passing may not stumble or fall. 

England 

The ceremony of bringing in the Yule log and burning 
it on Christmas Eve is full of picturesque detail. 

From England we get our Christmas cards, verbal 
Christmas greetings, Yule logs, plum puddings, and our 
mince pies. Our custom of hanging the mistletoe also 
comes from England. 

This is one of the old English carols that is still sung 
on Christmas morning: 


FOR CHRISTMAS 


123 


Sing high, sing low, 

Sing to and fro. 

Go tell it out with speed, 

Cry out and shout, 

All round about, 

That Christ is born indeed. 

The School News and Practical Educator 

LITTLE FACTS ABOUT DECEMBER 
Alice E. Allen 

The month of stars and stockings, of holly and mistletoe, 
of songs and cheer and good will—the month of Christmas! 
All its days point to the great day ahead and afterward, 
look back to it. 

The days are growing steadily shorter. About the 
twenty-first, we come to the shortest day of all the year. 
Then, so slowly you can’t see it for days and days and 
days, they begin to grow longer. It is in December when 
we of the country so often have those beautiful radiant 
days—not glittering, like January days—but shining 
softly, with blue skies, yet snowflakes, or tiny bits of frost, 
sparkling through the air. 

The flower of December is the holly. Its gem is the tur- 
quoise % —a dainty stone, blue as forget-me-nots or Christ¬ 
mas skies. It is said that if a turquoise is given by loving 
hands it will bring happiness and good fortune. There 
is an old story told of it that if its wearer is in danger, 
it will turn a paler blue. 

The colors of December are crimson and green—the 
Christmas colors. Do you think they were chosen because 
of the holly—its red berries and glossy green leaves ? Or 
because of the red light of the Christmas fire and the green 
of the boughs above it? I’ve heard, somewhere, that 


124 


BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENTS 


these colors were given to the Christmas month because 
they were Charles Dickens’ favorite colors. He has done 
so much for our Christmas—we’d like to show his colors 
then, would n’t we ? Let’s all read, all over again, his 
story of Tiny Tim. And then, very reverently, let’s say 
Tiny Tim’s prayer for all the great world this Christmas- 
tide—“God bless us, every one!” 


Primary Education 




































































































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GOOD BOOKS FOR CHILDREN’S READING 


These books are all intended for children from five to 
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One of the most fascinating stories for children ever writ¬ 
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BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY, Publishers, CHICAGO 






GOOD BOOKS FOR CHILDREN’S READING 

For children from five to ten years 

( Continued) 

Nonsense Rhymes and Animal Stories. By Alhambra 

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Charming little rhymes and stories, incidentally teaching 
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The adventures of these strange tiny folks are related in 
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141 pages, with 72 illustrations in colors and decorated end 
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Two Indian Children of Long Ago. By Frances 
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A collection of beautiful Indian legends, giving an intimate 
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Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land. By Joseph C. Sindelar. 
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CHOICE ENTERTAINMENTS 


Prepared especially for school use, and particularly for 
Friday afternoons and special day exercises. 

DIALOGUES AND CHILDREN’S PLAYS 

Dialogues and Plays for Entertainment Days—Painton.$0.40 

District-School Dialogues—Irish .. .40 

The Golden Goose—Guptill...... .15 

Humorous Dialogues for Children—Irish.. .40 

Specialty Entertainments for Little Folks—Painton..40 

Twelve Plays for Children—Guptill.... .40 

RECITATIONS 

Best Primary Recitations—Hoag.....$0,30 

DRILLS AND ACTION SONGS 

Humorous Drills and Acting Songs—Irish-............... .$0.40 

MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS 

Rummage—Race ..... .$0.25 

0 ncie Sam, P. M.—Race...- .. .25 

SPECIAL DAY ENTERTAINMENTS 

The Best Christmas Book—Sindelar.....$0.40 

The Best Thanksgiving Book—Sindelar.... .40 

Christmas at Stebbinses’—Irish.....25 

Closing Day Entertainments—Sindelar...40 

Merry Christmas Entertainments—Sindelar.. .40 

Polly in History-Land, or Glimpses of Washington—Painton.. .25 

Susan Gregg's Christmas Orphans—Irish.. .25 

PLAYS 

The Great Turkey-Stealing Case of Watermelon County—Gra¬ 
ham .-.$0.25 

The Last Half-Day in the District School—Fraser-Higgins. ... .35 

The Prize Essay, or “Boy Wanted”—Painton.35 

The Value of X—Painton. «... .35 

Illustrated Catalog of Books mailed free upon request. 


BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY, Publishers, CHICAGO 




























OTHER CHRISTMAS 

THE BEST CHRISTMA 

By Joseph C. Sindek 


0 033 261 337 


Here is a wealth of new ideas, and a complete program for everyone, Con¬ 
tains 82 recitations, 3G quotations. 4 monologues and readings, 10 dialogues, 
exercises and plays, 8 original songs with music, 6 songs of new words to old 
tunes, 10 fancy driils and motion songs, 5 tableaux, 4 pantomimes and pantomimed 
songs, 14 facts regarding Christmas, 

192 pages, illustrated. Price, 40 cents. 


CHRISTMAS AT STEBBINSES’ 

By Marie Irish 

A Christmas comedy in two scenes, for five male and five female charac¬ 
ters. Time, thirty minutes. Scene, an easy interior. A humorous play 
with considerable of the Christmas spirit. Price, 25 cents. 

SUSAN GREGG’S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 

By Marie Irish 

A Christmas comedy in two acts, for seven male and five female charac¬ 
ters, and as many more as may be desired. Time, thirty minutes. Scenes, 
a street and a living room, easily arranged. What happened in response 
to an advertisement signed “Lonely”. Price, 25 cents. 

NEW COMMON-SCHOOL SONG BOOK 

By Laura Rountree Smith, Arthur Schuckai and others 

Has 49 songs for special days, among which are nine Christmas songs 
and three New Year songs. 174 large pages. Boards. Price, 70 cents. 

FANCY CALENDAR PADS 

Decorated and printed in colors. Price, per dozen pads, 12 cents. 

BLACKBOARD STENCILS 


The designs vary in size according to the demands of the subjects, but 
h large proportion of them are approximately 2 1x36 inches, largeenough 
to he clearly seen across any schoolroom. Order by number—not neces¬ 
sary to give names. Directions for use stamped on each design. 


Price, each 5 cents: 6 for 25 cents. 


623 December Calendar 

624 January Calendar 

379 “Merry Christmas” (lettered) 

380 “Happy New Year” (lettered) 

381 “Peace on Earth, Good Will 

Toward Men” (lettered) 

545 Christmas Star Border 

560 Holly Border 

561 Mistletoe Border 
662 Poinsettia Border 


700 Jolly Santa Claus 

701 Santa Claus and Sleigh 

702 Bringing in the Christmas Tree 

703 Christmas Tree 

704 Dancing ’Round the Tree 

705 The Star in the East 

706 The Wise Men 

708 The Little Santa Claus 

709 Birds’ Christmas Dinner 


Send for Complete List of About 500 Subjects , Free! 


GUMMED CHRISTMAS SEALS 


Richly printed in Christmas colors and gold, and gummed. Christmas 
bell, holly, Santa Claus, and poinsettia. Packed 50 seals of one design in 
cardboard box. Price, per box, 10 cents, per dozen boxes, $1.00. 

CHRISTMAS CARDS AND LEAFLETS. 

Ranging in price from 15 cents per ten to 80 cents per ten. Send us 
amount you wish to invest and we will make a good selection, or write 
for complete catalogue. 


BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY, CHICAGO 



